Merry Christmas!

Hey Universe…Part 2…

Hey Universe…since one is in progress, let's throw the vacation list out there for the future…
 

Thailand
Las Vegas (that has it's own sub list)
Mall of America
San Francisco (Mainly for Alcatraz)
Latvija
California
New Orleans
Colorado
Hawaii
Texas
More of Canada
London
England's Country Side
Ireland
Germany
Paris
Greece
Switzerland
Finland
Italy
Tokyo
Cook Islands
Ireland

Australia
New Zealand
Turkey
Sweden
Caribbean Islands
Easter Island

"Impossible n'est pas Français"

Farewell and adieu to you, ladies of Spain,

Get your arse down here or granny will poach you in white wine and feed you to the dogs!

For we've received orders for to sail for old England,
 
What are you thinking, flying around the house like a demented parakeet?
 
And we may never see you fair ladies again.

Bloodys...

A fantastic Sunday brunch!!  I am still amazed that a little balsamic takes them to an incredible new level! 

Hey There!

"There are no strangers here, Only friends you haven't yet met." - William Butler Yeats 

Seems to be the trend at the annual parties that I look forward to - fantastic company, lots of laughs and people that are not strangers for long!!

Royals!

I did stumble upon their hotel by accident - was not a planned royal sighting expedition. There was a bit of a crowd waiting for a glimpse! 

Death Becomes Her....

The main reason for my NYC trip - the Met is doing a display on mourning attire. (Yes, you read that right)
Stunning fashions and the mourning jewelry is just fascinating!! 

Holiday Windows!!

It's been a while since I went to check out the NYC holiday decorations - there seems to be a Gatsby/Gotham theme this year... 

Ice skater!!

Indulgence....

Living the suite life!

Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You...

As I listened, I kept expecting the song to go one way (aka Frankie Valli / Lauryn Hill) but turns out that it's a completely different song!

Just wow....definitely added to the rotation....

Twirls....

It has been a long time since there was an evening of cultural dance in this building.  I spent more time in the car than at the actual event but it was totally worth it!!  I am SO proud of these guys - their first choreography attempt and they nailed it!!  The energy in the room was electric! 

And the party afterward....wow, being swept around the dance floor in a polka with a strong partner has ended up being the theme for the year.  I am looking forward to the next time! 

Winter's Tale...

Beverly Penn: What's the best thing you've ever stolen.
Peter Lake: I'm beginning to think I haven't stolen it yet. 

I should probably read the book since the movie touched me so.  Despite the comments about a flying horse, the movie did give pause for thoughts about life (very similar to Stardust).

Adult Willa's reaction to seeing Peter again brings tears to my eyes, even now a week later.
And upon watching it a second time, I knew that I had to own the movie.

Cue the cheeseball!

Cinderelly!

Cinderelly, Cinderelly, Night and day it's Cinderelly

Another I HAVE TO SEE IT!!!! movie on the horizon....Rose from Downton Abbey and a prince with ocean blue eyes....yup, I'm in!

Dievs svētī latviju!

Mēs maza cilts, 
Mēs būsim tik lieli, 
Cik mūsu griba.
 - Rainis
 

Brilliant!

Like I needed another reason for the Ireland trip....

Besides the once in a lifetime show with these two and their dad, they go and publish this fantastic creative video that makes me want to hang out with them even more AND gives me a new band to listen to (a discovery like H.I.M. thru Viva La Bam).

Bonus is that proceeds from the song benefit a great charity! 

Coming Home...

The pageantry was still there despite the rain! And shockingly the team won!! 

A milestone anniversary for the Band Director and Assistant Band Director - both made my college marching band experience incredible. 

Kudos to the alumni that marched - I was not up for doing it and really happy that I chose not to when I woke up to rainy weather. 

It was a nice relaxing weekend full of good friends and drama free hanging out (and of course - Cards Against Humanity)!!

The Calm After....

Part of our stroll thru camp before heading home Monday.... 

Codfish Point - Fall Version

Sunday's hike was a bit more ambitious than the one that I led on Saturday - dodging rocks and roots under fall leaves, the trek was made up to Codfish Point. 

Tomcat territory marking, plans for other more ambitious hikes and shades of orange were plentiful!  Always nice to hike with fantastic company!!

Thisaway or Thataway....

The event went smoothly, old friends not seen in 20 years were met again, bonds were strengthened, major laughs were had and I know that I would look great polarized....

The weekend went by way too quickly.....I miss them all already. 

Tribute....

We just love our theme parties but this one is also a tribute to the previous occupants.

Bring on the weekend!!

Coloring...

Not quite peak but getting there!! 

Vatican Cameos...

I have said it time and time again – I don’t have room for a new TV show.

And then the inevitable happens…I find a new one.  Luckily this time it’s a short series with only a few episodes per season.  I binge watched Sherlock over the weekend. 

There was one episode a few weeks ago on PBS and then as fate would have it, I walked into the library and there were all three seasons at eye level just waiting for me.  My weekend plans had already been changed due to the weather so hey, why not?

And here I am a few days later, already repeating them and seeing the fun details that I missed the first time around. 

I’m not quite Sherlocked but am definitely enjoying the series!  

“I’m in shock!  Look - I have a blanket!”

 

Disney Dreaming....

I'm definitely overdue for a trip to Disney....

 

But it will have to wait...I have a detour to make to Ireland first...

(And if I time it properly, I will be able to try out my dual citizenship passport - bonus when traveling in Europe!!)

Tale As Old As Time...

Once Upon A Time recreated the most iconic scene from Disney's Beauty & The Beast during the season 4 premiere!

The embedding is misbehaving so I am just going to post the link....
http://abc.go.com/shows/once-upon-a-time/video/PL55126739/VDKA0_jw0z4ycl

 And yes...I was in tears.  Still am!

Local Rotation...

Puppy face...bear cub....lots to see!

Relaxing....