Thanksgiving Feast

We had a very traditional Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings. Place settings
I don't usually do a lot of fall decorations, but it seemed appropriate this year to put out some colored leaves

The Guests: Aunt Eva Jean, Uncle Harold, Aunt Anna (and of course Kendall - not a guest)

Dad and Mom

Thanksgiving Prep

Pumpkin and apple pies are done; and sweet potato casserole and dressing in the fridge ready for the oven tomorrow.
Pumpkin pie with a crumble topping and apple pieFall leaves on the pumpkin pie

Mining Camp Restaurant

We had a beautiful sunset last night as we headed to dinner at the Old Mining Camp Restaurant. It has been years since I was there the last time and about 28 years since I went there the first time with Lois.

Great 'props' on site
Let's hope times have changed!



We were close to where Uncle Bob & Aunt Lola Faye winter. We were able to stop by for a visit before dinner and then went back with them for a delicious pumpkin pie for what little dessert we could manage to eat after the great dinner.

Dolly Steam Boat

Yesterday we did the tour sit thing with Kendall's friend Ivan visiting. We headed a bit east to Canyon Lake and took a 90 minute trip on the lake on the Dolly Steam Boat. Use your imagination. Do you see a pretty little girl, an angel or Bach playing the organ?
It was a beautiful day with plenty of sunshine and temps in the 70s.

Ivan and Kendall

You can almost make out the sheep at the top of the hill.

Lake scenery

Open House 'Reception'

Last night Kendall and I hosted a wedding reception open house for his Aunt Lola Faye and her new husband - Uncle Bob. She was married in April in Iowa and they summered there. They have now returned to AZ for the winter so we took the opportunity to welcome them in style.My friend Michelle joined me to do final prep and help keep the food dishes full
The bride and me

The dessert table

Kendall's mom, Donna and her sister - The Bride

Dayne and Amanda's Wedding

A nice event for family to gather - a wedding! My nephew Dayne became the first of his generation in our immediate family to get married. We all were able to gather with the exception of Jason - sorry you had to miss it brother!

Dayne and Amanda

Exchanging vows. (you can almost see me on the second pew beside Mom)

The bridal couple with Whitney/Blake/Karen/Urbane

Cutting the cake

Thanks to Lois for the fabo pics!

Another Evan

Tuesday was the birth day of another little Evan, born to my friend Jennifer. If you recall, we had a baby shower for her at work about a month ago. I got to visit with him for a little while this morning.

Weekend

We had a nice weekend visiting with Lois. We spent most of it at the cabin getting some R&R. We left early this am to get her to the airport and saw balloons rising
Deer were out for an early stroll

The view from my chaise lounge on the deck as we read and sunned yesterday

Lois working on pics

Peaches Kendall and I canned before we headed north

Birthday Bunko 2009

This weekend my friend Michelle and I hosted the second annual Birthday Bunko. Last year it was to honor 3 ladies who shared the same week and/or day for their birthday; this year we celebrated every ones birthday and did a fun card exchange.

Kathy and her 87 year old mother, Mary. Mary ended the final round by getting a Bunko.

Michelle ordered a Pink Champagne cake that was yummy and ohh so pretty.

6 Years!

We celebrated our anniversary by going to see Forever Plaid at the local dinner theater. Great show!

http://www.azbroadwaytheatre.com/index.html

We left town Thursday evening as a Monsoon Storm started. It was interesting to see the sun so clearly through the clouds

I was amazed by this sight of the sun reflecting on clouds. I guess I've seen it more from above the clouds than below.

Baby Shower

My co-worker, Jennifer, is about to have a baby. This is causing a happy stir around the office and we had a baby shower for her on Thursday.

I made the chocolate cake with chocolate frosting

Gifts

I made little favors that included chocolate bars - the baby seems to love chocolate!

March Of DImes

Having a great time supporting the March of Dimes Nurses of the Year event. I was a recipient 3 years ago. A good cause and an opportunity to support worthy cause.

A Little Celebration

Balloons

Carrott Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Happy Birthday - What a Sweetie!

Happy Birthday to my terrific husband!

You don't look a day over 15!

Lazy Day up North

We went into town this morning to our favorite True Value Hardware store. They have popcorn on Saturday mornings and as much fun stuff for me as for Kendall. There is usually activity of some kind around the court house and today was no exception. It is cloudy and threatening rain so not much to do outside the cabin. We lingered momentarily to enjoy downtown - love these small towns! I didn't have the camera with me, so this is cell phone quality.

All generations singing & playing old country
The Lynx Creek Clod Hoppers

Julia Child

Julia Child would have been 97 yesterday had she not died about 5 years ago. The Smithsonian has her kitchen on display; take a look!

This morning Kendall and I went to see Julie and Julia. It has gotten some good reviews and I can see why. It's definitely worth the 2+ hours in the theater. Makes me want to cook!

Blueberry Focaccia

OK, we'll get to the Focaccia, but first we have to eat our vegetables. Here is a beautiful pea pod from the garden.One more and it could be my siblings and me :-)

this is a yummy Blueberry Focaccia that I found in a magazine. With so many fresh blueberries around I just had to try it. It is certainly best when it is still warm from the oven. I suggest it as a breakfast bread for guests - that is if you waken awhile before they do. It is a yeast bread and needs some rising time.

Happy Birthday Marge

Remember the Flat Stanley that went around the world with school children and their family and friends? Well, I'm also a Flat Debbie and still spend time with my friends many miles away. I'm so glad I was included in Marge's birthday breakfast celebration! I can almost taste the cinnamon rolls. Yummy. Thanks guys! The beauty of it all is that I haven't aged a bit in almost 6 years!