Surviving the Holidays

It's been a busy time in some ways but a much-needed change of pace in others. There have been lots of holiday celebrations but a break from the usual meetings, groups, etc. It has made me see the need for a lighter schedule in the New Year. 

Along with the holiday celebrations, the Three Amigos (not Giuliani, Sondland & Perry!) participated in a nationwide action on the eve of the impeachment vote (12/17). About 150 people showed up at Joe Cunningham's office to thank him for voting for the impeachment. That's a very good turnout in a red state AND on a cool, rainy afternoon. One of the cutest things was a young man/kid who called the chants. His mom was close by and offered suggestions...he was adorable!



Two nights later, I had the gang over for Christmas cheer. I'm not a natural entertainer, but I think everyone enjoyed it and had a good time. It may become a tradition as it motivates me to put up the decorations. That's something that my mother and I used to do together. We took our time and enjoyed the process. It seems a lot to do just for me, so it seemed like a good idea to have friends over to enjoy them with me. Things started slowly as we sat in a circle to eat the munchies, but by the time desserts were out, everyone was up, mingling, and chatting. It was a good evening for me and I hope they enjoyed it, too.

On Christmas Eve, Chris and I went to one of our favorite places - Olive and Fig - for dinner. They had a set menu with several options for a starter, entree, and then dessert. We started with Lentil Soup (regular portion!) and selected the vegetarian entree.  If you look at the servings on the table, you can see that we could have easily shared one meal! Each of us had 3 Falafels, 1 Spinach Pie, Hummus, Baba Ghanoush, Muhammara, Tabbouleh, and a Partridge in a Pear Tree!! All of that was followed by dessert! It was delicious and a pleasant evening, with a doggie bag for the next day. We were surprised that after three solid days and nights of rain, around noon on Christmas Eve, the sun came out and by our early dinner, it was almost 70 degrees. That weather still holds and it adds to whatever is happening.

Christmas day was quiet but sunny and bright. I did some cooking while watching Animal Planet. Their morning was just Christmas music with dogs, cats, goats, and bunnies doing their thing in rooms decorated for Christmas. It was perfect for me! After that, it was the Bronx Zoo, which is quite interesting and reminds me of behind the scenes at the San Diego Zoo. The golf course was closed so Rosie and I did our afternoon walk on the course....and the weather was perfect - a very good day!

Michelle, Valeria, and Joann.

Yesterday, Tippy and I did some Christmas shopping for Reyna's girls. It started when a friend of Tippy ordered one toy and six were delivered. The company wasn't interested in taking them back so she was giving them away. Tippy thought of Reyna's baby, but you can't give one child something without having something for the others. So we two old, childless broads go shopping for gifts for a 13, 11, 8-year-olds and Richard's twin 3-year-olds!!  Needless to say, we didn't have a clue - but we would ask the other questions as though we actually expected a knowledgeable answer! Finally, we saw some girls of similar ages of Reyna's and asked what they would like. We got an in-depth seminar on Slime! Slime seems to be the thing. It was all worth it because the girls were totally surprised and seemed to really like the gifts we'd chosen, especially the Slime!

SOMETHING SPECIAL: I received my Christmas update from the Smith family in Thailand and it was so lovely I asked if I could share it with you. This year was a year of weddings for Aeaw and Bob as both of their sons were married. I knew these young men when they were babies/kids in Saudi and it's wonderful to see them happy, healthy and doing well. Both Bob and I commented on the "global" life of all those kids we knew at that time. They have the confidence, curiosity, and freedom to move about in the world with ease - and at such a young age. I marvel at them and admit to being a bit jealous that it took me so long!  In any case, enjoy! Link: https://sites.google.com/view/smiths-through-2019/home



I also had to share the photos above. I've already told you about these girls who love Rosie so much. When the grandparents wanted to take the photo on the left, I asked if they would take one with the girls and their signs. Our routine is that we go to the door (when signs are posted) and I unhook Rosie's leash. She stands there and whines until someone answers the door. Then she shoots in and makes several laps of the kitchen, dining room, and den - just as fast as she can. Of course, the girls are then trying to follow her, squealing, etc. Once she settles down, they bring toys for her to play with and give her lots of loving. This last time they had decided (talking about it the night before!) that Rosie might like a bowl of water at the end of our walk. Being the perfect guest, Rosie lapped it up on cue and I thanked them for thinking of her. So Sweet!

It was after returning for our trip to Africa (and experiences such as the one above) that I fully realized what a nice neighborhood I live in. We never know how long our walks will take. It all depends on how many people we run into, with some passing by in cars even stopping to chat a bit. I'm not fooled to think it's me....it's mostly Miss Personality! In any case, it is nice. Just this week, I've been given oranges, lemons, and chocolates from neighbors as we were passing by. 

Not everything has been roses - my computer died, Rosie has been a little anxious and I don't know why, trump is still president, I'm too fat - but life is good and I have no complaints. I hope we all go into the New Year in good health and with hopes for a peaceful, prosperous, compassionate year ahead. Best wishes and much love to all.