a long and lovely day

Yes it was long...started at about 3:45 in the morning.
        ( that was after three times around in the revolving doors at the SeaTac Hilton _thanks to Heather )

So, we were happy to see coffee in the lobby.
 First shuttle to the airport.
 Seated on time and off to LAX.
Not my favorite airport, but once again, thanks to Heather.
 She took care of the arrangements and the car rental and was also behind the wheel at all times.

This is it !   Our rental.  And I might say, I am partial to Cadillacs. My first car was a Cadillac.
Baby blue convertible
But I love red, it is a happy color
and we were happy !

We had hoped to get together, but it was a real miracle when we just about bumped into each other at the mall.
 This is my friend Julie
 ( I 'm the one in my new California sunglasses ) 

Hard to see, but there are reindeer on this merry go round
the rides were free and very fun

Heather had never ridden on a merry go round !

then off to our hotel with a view 

view from our deck 

In the lobby

At our door 

Chef with a fine name
at the restaurant next to the lobby 

Squash soup..as good as it looks

Salad with prawns and much, much more

The called it smore delights ( something like that)
and they were
delights.
By now it is about 8:00 and all things considered, it was bed time for my chauffeur

I remained awake and spent some time in the soaking tub

When in the tub, the water can come up to your neck
I tried it out all three nights
it works.

After watching a few Christmas scenes, I too went to bed.
It had been a long and lovely day.

( now off to another adventure )

A true Story

A short, sweet and true story

A friend and I were visiting this afternoon.
She comes from a family of 8 children and I was pretty sure they had all been around our table for a meal at least once.
Yes, she said, and I will always remember.  My Dad asked Tiffany how old she was  as she was carrying a platter of food to the table.   She held up her little  hand showing 5 fingers and dropped the platter. 
That was  about 37 years ago and I am so glad her memory is still sharp ! 

( I had no recall, so I must have been in the kitchen  ☺  )  

Thanksgiving

we give thanks every day

  but this THANKSGIVING DAY is one to remember

We will begin with the first course and then move on 

First course, Squash Soup . thank you Chef Aaron 

Poached Pears : Thanks Chef Christian 

Yeast rolls,turkey, ham,  dressing, gravy,  Mac n Cheese, Asparagus, pickles and olives ,  cranberry sauce,deviled eggs,  pecan pie.
Thank you: Chef Christian

Potato Cheese casserole: Thanks Chef Uncle D
Sweet Potatoes: Chef Grammy
Red Cabbage: Chef Auntie Bobbie
Sparkling Cider and Coffee

Little man and Grammy decorated a Gingerbread Turkey
with chocolate frosting. Tasted better than it looked. 

FOG COMES TO BELLEVUE

Fog in the morning

Above the Fog
( a peek at the peak above )

through the fog
( no peeking )

under the fog
all in 5 minutes time.
And that's the Northwest for you!

Children welcome here

children welcome 

          

               and we are ready

                         from the powder room

                                     and beyond 

Mickey soap dispenser from one of my octogenarian friends

favorite stool..will not tip over..and it holds water toys
.tooth brush holder
kids love to brush their teeth

Not an antique, it just looks like one

gates: ready,  diapers: ready,changing table: ready
We are ready !

Passed down from cousins
quilt handmade by Shawn P.
thank you all very much 

Some old, some new, some gifts .

Yes, it works.  A little more clean up involved, but fun .
Who doesn't love popcorn  ! 

Many miles have been covered on these tracks 

This has been around for about 40 years.

doesn't work, but when the little men get older, we will fix it 

Ready for snuggles 

Mostly girls stop here 

Meet Ducky Conrad ! 

Never know where we might find one of these.
They seem to play hide and seek 

This Mickey blows bubbles 

Names on the bottom go back over 70 years !  

Tub toys 

no explanation necessary 

This door leads to a secret room for little people 

that's all you get to see. 


Grammy hopes to have energy to keep pace with many more little ones who come to visit. 

And, always take time to tell them about Jesus. He loves them more than I do. 

Horror...

The horror was sinking in.  Paris, where we had been just a few months ago.  Unbelievable. But the mention of St. Louis as a potential target, and heightened security,   brought some reality.  Family members are travelling there.  Hearing their voices brought tears and a measure of peace.   
Later we gathered to sing..
                         sing about real peace...

and the final chorus...It is well with my soul.

Is it well with your soul?
Be ready.

John 3:16  For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.

Get the picture"

It   might be hard to get the mental picture
  but i will give it my best.

we are at a favorite restaurant,  Not very big, not very busy. ( there is a couple sitting at the booth next to us and a single man comes in soon )

                Hubby's phone rings.
                      I give him the look  ( just a sweet smile ?)
                He says it is important.
                      So in his "I am hard of hearing so I talk loud" voice he talked for a long
                     few minutes.

I never, well hardly ever complain.  But for all the folks who are offended by the use of cell phones,in public places,  I decided to stick my neck out and open my mouth and speak the truth
               " when we are out to dinner I think it is rude to talk on your phone"
He responded.
Then I Responded.  Still in my sweet voice.
He responded. and is not happy.  Not understanding how I feel.
                           ( I call it validating MY feelings - does not go there )

I said, " why not ask someone else !   why not ask that fellow over there, see how he feels"

A voice behind  hubby ... " don't ask me"

At this point I realized that I had raised my voice a notch.

I wish I could say that I got up and slipped over to his table and apologized, but ...I am a little slow on the draw...occasionally

Sometimes do you wish you could replay a moment and change it bit ? !?

another walk in San Antonio

yes the River walk is beautiful, especially after dark,

 but a walk through the Botanical Gardens is
                     
                               Amazing and very fun with fun friends 

the bride that got away ( before I could get a good photo )

there were hundreds, but my camera could not snap fast enough 

can you spot the bird ?