Another year over...(to loosely quote John Lennon)

and what have we got

1,  fought off some health issues
2.  had some great sleep overs with the Grands...Baby Girl gets to participate next Spring
3.   traded our trip to the British Isles to cavort with our besties, Bill and Jo on a ten day to the Caribbean (sing it Jimmy Buffett)
4.  had another fun Christmas party
5.  spent time with our year round pals and our "snow birdies"
6.  kept in touch with our friends of 25, 30 years and longer back home.
7.  saluted a fallen Tarpon Springs police officer.
8.  celebrated Baby Girl's 3rd b'day and the twins' 4th.  (they all are getting older far too fast for this Nana)
9.  set a goal to walk &/or bike 500 miles this coming year *me*
10. thinking seriously of giving up my Hot Mama Transformer convertible...E is struggling to get in and out of it and I've had my fun for almost  8 years now.  It's time.
 11.  working out tons of details in the writing of a will...much needed for us as we get along in years.

AND PAY ATTENTION HERE:  (E does not read my blog or Facebook)
I want to throw him a surprise 70th. b'day party on Sept 14, 2015.  I want to invite everyone who has known him personally and has/does love(d)him.  If you think you can make this work, I'll try to find accommodations nearby at discount prices.  I want this to be a special time for him...if you even think you can make it, please email me at BuckFifty07@gmail.com (he does not ever check this one).  I have 9 mo to make this a very special time for him, the love of my life.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year...

and the busiest.  We've been running like crazy people and enjoying every moment of it. 

Last week, in addition to attending my first Tai Chi class, Papa and I took Leighton to her mama's school to see her brothers get awards at the school's award ceremony.  Colvin got an award for Responsibility and Landon for On Task.

Jo and I have been walking almost every morning.  I've taken to posting those daily on Facebook.  If you are in my Friends list, you have seen those.  Our little town goes all out for decorating:  the Sponge docks are festive with a tree and the sponge boats festooned as well.  We have new "old" lights and those and palm trees have been wrapped along with shrubs in lights.  The down town has not one but two trees and lamp lights decorated as well. 

Friday night, we headed to Tarpon Tavern, as is our tradition, and had an early dinner.  We walked a bit waiting for the Grands and their parents to meet us.  This is our town's "Snow Place Like Tarpon Springs" and there truly is not anything like it.  There were vendors of all sorts, snow and a snow slide, two Santas (the kids finally got to visit with the Jolly Old Man) and wonderful entertainers. 

Papa and I had a great time with the Grands and their folks.  We headed home and watched our traditional holiday movie (we actually have a couple), White Christmas and then headed to bed.

Sat. morning I walked into town to Spring Bayou and met Kristen, her friend, Lisa and the three Grands for the yearly Christmas parade.  I think my favorite entry, besides the Santa float, is our town's award winning marching band.  They are simply amazing. 

Last night we hosted our Christmas party to about twenty five or so friends.  It is hard to believe that just seven years ago first arrived from Ft. Myers, we knew only the kids and their friends .  As avid a photographer and recorder of events in our life, I didn't take a single picture of our gathering.  I must have been having a really good time...lol.  We even had a visit from Tarpon Spring's finest.  Some of our guests had parked on the restricted side of our street and a very sweet police woman very politely asked could we move the cars.  She was a delight and I wish I had gotten her name so I could call and tell the powers that be what a wonderful job she did. 

Today is reclaim the house day and get some ironing done.  I have a luncheon date with Jo and some friends tomorrow plus Tai Chi at 2pm.  Tues., The Women Who Do Lunch bunch are having our Christmas lunch at Bon Appetite in Dunedin.  Wed. we are back on Leighton's Limo service and I have Tai Chi at two again.  It is held at the public library right across from her school so it works out great.  Friday she has a half day and we don't resume her limo service til next year. 

Hoping your holiday are merry and bright!

From our house to yours...

                        Happy Holidays 
We've had a busy week or two since Thanksgiving.  We usually have the whole house decorated and turn on everything Thanksgiving night.  We were a bit behind this year due to a few (now resolved) health issues and are finally done.  We got a new tree after the holidays last year and love it.  It is frosted one and we sure have a lot of glitter everywhere!

 And here are a few of our glass blown "vintage" Santas...we add a new St. Nick every year.

                                                     and Santa has to have reindeer, right?

 Our outside front and back are done.  We did order some blue laser lights for the front but they are not in yet.  But the lanai is finished and we are starting to set up for our annual Christmas Party.

                                                  Our Tiki god of Beer is showing his age.

                                                                  The Grands' tree

               Come Sat., I'll put on the pretty table cloths, set out the centerpieces and wait for our guests    to arrive.  E has been cooking up a storm .

 I'll take a few more shots the day of the party.  We have the Snow Place like Tarpon Springs event the night before and our little town's annual Christmas parade that morning ...so much fun!

                                                     Our Christmas Island village

None of our house pieces are taller than 3 inches and this village has been growing since 1987, started by my kids, Rob and Kristen on a Christmas long ago.

Each room in our house has its own festivities.

Our room

                                  My snow globes go above the cabinet across from our bed.
Our guest room is done in deer and moose with lights around the window and one "guy" who welcomes visitors.  This guy below is new and hand selected by grandson, Colvin.  The Grands love the guest room as there is nothing they can break or harm...it is all theirs.

      My workroom has my retro Christmas tree, Lucy (Lucille bit the dust year before last), and topped with one of my favorite Santas from our friend, Clare in New Zealand.

The guest bath is all snow people, the kitchen cheerful and kitchy, the entry way has the Nativity set and an angel given to me by a friend we all call Lady Di.

More pictures when I get a chance and thanks to all of you who read and follow my blog.  Happiest of holidays to you, no matter which one you celebrate.