HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Sometimes things just get in the way of good intentions. But I am glad I am back to blogging. I think it is good therapy and a great way to stay in touch with family and friends far away. We were blessed with a great holiday season. We had a wonderful time at parties-both with family, friends and co-workers.
It started at my brothers..

....and then onto co-workersand continued with more family traditionsMy cousin, Pat, always has an open house for the entire family. Although usually celebrated Christmas Eve, she has it the Sunday before Christmas and follows the other Wigilia traditions. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wigilia My daughter was thrilled when she found the most perfect gift for her great uncle, Bernard. He is 88 and still ushers at the Basilica. It was an inside look at the Vatican.
..only she realized she didn't remember that wrapping paper. Turns out my sister-in-law thought it was perfect for Bernard also.Christmas morning was spent with my children. Niki and her Bailey.

Sean came home from Austin. The best gift of all.

And speaking of good gifts. Those of you who have followed weird object Friday know that my husbands collects coffee companions. He loves facial mugs. Does this one remind you of anyone?

And the dogs loved all their presents--but, they loved unwrapping them the best. I had a wonderful holiday and have such hope for the New Year. I am blessed with a great husband, kids I am proud of, a brother who is my close friend, older brothers that I love, and friends who support me. I thank you all for sharing this past year with me and hope in 2009 we all see peace and prosperity.


HAPPY NEW YEAR!

weird object friday

I was fascinated by this fish, yes I said fish, at a trip to the aquarium.

You really have to search the tank to find it. The leafy looking parts of its body are great camouflage.

weird object friday

I love this brass sculpture. It is frightening and beautful at the same time...

....and how realistic.

margaret's challenge

Margaret challenged us to think of 5 things you would NEVER catch coming out of our mouths.
Well, here goes:

1. I am never going to eat another tomato.

2. No, I can't do that for you.(although I am working on saying no)

3. I am glad I don't have any dogs.

4. Ice cream, no thank you, never eat it.

5. I prefer Ocean City over Widlwood.

What are your five things???????????>

relaxing weekend

This weekend was my annual "girls weekend". Each November we take the long drive to Western Maryland to meet at Rocky Gap in Cumberland. It is a wonderful drive--full of beautiful leafy scenery and mountains. I love to drive it.

Rocky Gap is a resort tucked away in the mountains. We get a lakeside room and have a slumber party.
Saturday morning we take a five mile hike around the lake. One side of the lakeside loop is basically level, but the other side is quite hilly. I love the walk but the back of my legs are talking to me this morning. We didn't see much wildlife this year, only a couple of chipmunks. We did see some bear prints, but thankfully missed those making them. We also saw evidence of busy beavers.

Part of the trail reminds me of Dorothy's walk through the woods in The Wizard of Oz.

There is a golf course that winds through the property. I am not a golfer but I am told it is a great course.
The lake is not a natural one, but you can't tell.
At the end of the trail, is an aviary. They treat the wounded.
My friend, Linda, has a special relationship with the birds. The ones below seemed to communicate with her.

It was a fantastic weekend and I am thankful for the friends I shared it with.

weird object friday

Last weekend, my husband and I took a ride(the lower gas prices got us all excited) through Western Maryland. We meandered our way through all the little towns. One of them had scarecrows on every signpost in town. Local families had done them. This family just a got a little more creative. Can you imagine this in some cornfield?

halloween luncheon

We had a nice day at work yesterday. We took a short time out for lunch. Everyone brought in a dish and we re-energized. We had our two favorite trick or treaters attend: Rylan the dirt bike rider and.. ....Penny Lane
The whole office was in great spirits.

A few weeks ago, I mentioned I was a good cook but a lousy baker. But, I didn't mention that it works out well in our family because I married a man who loves to bake. He made a peach upside down cake for a bake sale at work. My daughter took exception to that so he surprised her with her favorite, pineapple upside down cake.