The Charge of the Light(ing) Brigade

Well, yesterday was the day and thank heavens for Rob and Chris! E has been permanently banned from tall ladders and high places. Not only does he have a history of falling off of ladders but his sense of balance is precarious at best. This year, the boys came to our rescue and saved us probably tons in hospital bills. What we did not know is that Rob has a fear of heights but neglected to tell us until he was dressing the top peak of the house. Poor fella, but he kept on working and between E's direction (see, didn't keep him off the ladder completely), the job was done. Kristen and Just Jack the Cat supervised as you can see.

Today we are assembling the new fire pit. It resembles a coffee table and we've already moved the table that goes with our outdoor set to make room for it. Tonight would be a great time to test it out as the temps have been a bit chilly here in Paradise.

We are also heading over to the kids house to help them with their lights. Chris is off work along with Rob. Kristen will be handling the little second graders at her school and I have promised her one day on her TG break to help her organize her closet office and try to lasso the papers that are threatening to overtake her life.

Kip and I are making plans to scrap one day at Ruban Rouge as Lisa is having open crops in the crop room the whole week before TG.

Hope your day is a good one!

I love Farmers' Markets

When we lived in St.Louis, we had the wonderful Soulard Market and would head on down on a Sat. morning, have breakfast at Obie's (has a new name now) and shop for fresh veggies and fruits to our hearts content in the historical market place.

When we moved to Ft. Myers, we found a lovely little market that was open on Thurs. mornings under the bridge. I would come home loaded with armfuls of flowers and E with lots of new veggies to try. We went often and the salted nuts were to die for.

And now we live in the land of abundance! Not only is the Dunedin market close by on Fridays but there is one within a few minutes in Safety Harbor as well. Be still my heart! This past Friday, we headed down to Dunedin and shopped and shopped and shopped our way through amazing fresh goods and brought home 4 sacks stuffed. We has the asparagas last night, lightly battered and grilled...oh yum!

Kip says the market in St. Pete is amazing too so we'll have to set aside a Sat. am and have her be our tour guide.

While I am not an enthusiastic (or even willing) cook, I love fresh veggies and fruits!

Kip passed this on to me!

Challenge going around...long one...

and a different kind of one for sure, lol!....

Where is the person you gave your heart to for the first time?
Living on the west coast working as an attorney

What were you doing at ten last night ?
dozing with the cat

What was the last thing you drank ?
glass of Gervertz

What' s going on between you and the last person you kissed?
Love and marriage!

What' s something you really want right now, be honest?
my bed

Last time you had butterflies in your stomach?

last week when I was having my root canal but the dr. was fantastic!

Anything annoying you right now?
People who want something for nothing!

Who was the last person to make you cry?
Can't remember

Anybody you' re looking forward to seeing soon?
The kids tomorrow...we're celebrating Kristen's 33rd.b'day

Are you going anywhere for the next summer?
The Beach in Ft. Myers

Who was the last person you hugged?
Kip when we said goodbye today

Who was the last person in your room?
E when he did my workroom floor this afternoon

Did you have a dream last night ?
Yes, very vivid one about teaching

How many piercings do you have?
ears only

Have any tattoos?
None but thought about getting a small mermaid when I turned 60!

Are you good at giving directions ?
so so

Last time you cried really, really hard?
When my step dad, Papa Joe, died.

What is your favorite thing to eat with peanut butter?
toast

Could you go out in public looking like you do now?
EGADS NO

Have you ever made someone so mad that they broke something?
My ex eons ago but he didn't have much patience!

What is your favorite color ?
yellow or sea foam

Do you think your last ex deserves to die?
No, but he does deserve to spend a bit of eternity in time out

When was the last time you saw your Grandpa?
1951

Do you know anyone with cancer?

Yes, my dad has cancer right now.

Who was the last person you talked to in person?
hubby playing free cell on the other computer

Do you think you can last in a relationship for 3 months?
Well, E and I have known each other for over 20 and have been together 15, so guess so and my pal, JoAnne and I have been friends since we were both 14.

What is the last text in your inbox ?

if you mean e-mail, Kip...I don't have texting on my cell

Have you lost friends in the past 3 years ?
Not to death but a couple of people I thought were my friends opted to rearrange our relationship.

Do you talk about your feelings or hide them?
I vent a lot...does that count?

Do you think someone is thinking about you right now?
Yep!

Are you excited for anything to happen in the next 6 months?
Going to Savannah for St. Pat's with Steve and DeeDee

What should you be doing right now?
getting off the computer and reading more of my book, Franklin and Lucy (about FDR and the women in his life)

Do you believe in true love?
Yes

Do you miss your past? I pretty much live in the present but I do miss our family holidays...only my sister and I left now and our kids.

Do you think that your ex still likes you?
ah, I'm not sure he ever did...

Has a person of the opposite sex seen you in your underwear?
well, yes!

If you could go back 3 months from now would you change anything?
yes, not jump to conclusions

Where 's the last place you went?
To Ruban Rouge with the Kipster to visit with Lisa

what color are your eyes?
blue

At the moment, are you more warm or cold?
just right

What are you listening to?
Bocelli on my blog!

Do you prefer an ocean or pool?
pool

How long is your hair?
short and spikey

Last thing you ate?
steak

Are you a bad influence?
Yes, according to Pam who says I make her drink with me (and that is on-line)!

Would you share a drink with a stranger?
not sure

Can you easily tell if someone is fake?
Pretty much but I've been taken before and probably will be again.

Looking back did you ever waste too much time on a certain boy or girl?

Male, my ex...put up with him far too long!

What' s your favorite card game?
Phase Ten

Know anyone who' s been drunk recently?
not that I can think of

Do you enjoy drama ?only on tv

How many months until your birthday?
8 mo.

Do you believe everyone deserves a second chance?
Everyone but rapists, murderers, child molesters and most politicians (oh, and the corporate idiots who keep taking money they don't deserve).

Last three people you texted?
I don't text.

What are you doing tonight? heading for the couch to zone out on some tube or to bed to read my book


Is smoking one of your turn offs?
Quit 11 years ago and it was the hardest thing I have ever done. I understand how others have trouble quitting. When I go into "the home", I'll smoke again. The smokers are the only ones who get to go outside!

What' s the last kind of soup you ate?
Tomato

What kind of dog do you want?
none we are owned by two cats

Do you currently have a sunburn?
nope

Could you eat nothing but grilled cheese for a week straight?
One of my faves so yes!

What color was the last drink you consumed?
clear

Would you rather shave your head or dye your hair bright orange?
shave it!

Could you last an hour without talking?
yes, but that fact would surprise a lot of people

Has anyone told you they missed you lately?
yes

Are you a Hollister/Abercrombie kind of person?
Nope, more of a Beall's gal

how many hours of sleep did you get last night ?
4 ...bad night

What makeup do you wear on a daily basis ?
base, eye mascara, blush and eyebrow stuff


What curse word do you use the most?
hmmmmmmmmm a toss up between sh*t and another one

Do you own an ipod?
nope

Would you rather take the picture or be in the picture?
both

Has anyone ever called you lazy?
Yes, but I prefer the term 'relaxed'...I'm retired! I've earned it

Do you ever take medication to help you fall asleep faster?
yup certified Ambien girl here!

Do you prefer regular or chocolate milk?
2% white

Can you whistle?
Yes. Of course!

How big is your local mall?
big, too big

Are you currently wearing glasses?
yes or I couldn't even find the laptop

Do you own any band t-shirts?
Do Jazz tees count?

How many aunts and uncle s do you have?
not as many as I use to have

Do you crack your knuckles?
never.

What is your favorite salad dressing?
basalmic

Do you read for fun?
A day without a book is a day withour sunshine

Can you speak any languages other than English?
a bit of Spanish and I can say, ciao bella with the best of them

Where is your cell phone ?
in its case in my purse

What color is your bedroom painted?
soft blue green

Are your parents divorced?
yes

What do you like to snack on at the movie theatres?
Jordon's almonds

Have you ever dated someone out of your race?
no

What was/is your favorite class in high school?
English

If you were born the opposite sex, what would your name have been?
Phillip, my mom told me that if I'd been a boy, that would have been my name...Phillip James

Were you a " planned" child

no...a came a trifle early to boot...lol

How old will you be turning on your next birthday?
62 glorious years old

Ever eaten an entire thing of frosting?
Oh yeah...I love the frosting.

Have you read To Kill A Mockingbird?
Taught it at least 4 times a year for about 22 years.

What instrument would you like to learn?
Uke

Were you ever a safety patrol in elementary school?
I was an alternate

Do you like dodge ball?
only if they play with nerf balls

Ever order anything from the tv?
yes

Can you write with both hands ?
not really

Do you get cold sores a lot?
lately, yes

Chapstick or lipgloss?
lipstick gal here

Last time you got poison ivy?
can't remember

So I am tagging Chris and W.O.T.E

Wishing for Winter Retreat

It has been so warm and humid here the past couple of days that we've had to turn on the a/c. This has got me dreaming of the wonderful Winter Retreat that Linda Jenkins puts on each year and I thought I'd share a few of my pics from last year's crop. The weather is always nippy but mostly at night and the cold is half the fun. The other half is the friendships, the food and the fun! This year's is in Oleano State Park (hope I got that right)and it is so beautiful. Although I love attending any crop Linda puts on, I believe this is my favorite! See you there!

KnK Nov. Kit projects

These are two of the layouts I did with this month's busting to the seams kit from KnK. I also did a small chipboard album for my dd's b'day and will post that soon. Love everything G-a and Sonia put into this kit. For more information, www.knkclub.com or admin@knkclub.com.

We are off to the Dunedin Farmers' Market today. It starts at 9am and we are starving for fresh produce. I also want a bag of the spiced nuts to reward myself in a day or two when I can chomp on these without a twinge. The jaw is feeling better and better.

My desk is covered with half done projects and I plan on clearing some of these into the done pile. I am also playing with the Dec. kit from KnK...and you do NOT want to miss this one!

Have a great day.

Premature Celebration

I found these really cool paper mache orbs at Rock Paper Scissors in Old Towne St. Charles, Mo when we were in St. Louis last and, while waiting for my pain meds to kick in yesterday, I started playing. As you see, I have not gotten a whole lot past picking out papers for them. Because of the shape, I couldn't design a template that worked for the "slices" of each one so I am practicing patience and doing one segment at a time, smoothing the craft glue onto the wedge, arranging the paper and smoothing it into place. When it has dried, I trim. I should have these ornaments done sometime in March of 09. lol

I am using some of the papers from the KnK Dec kit (now for you to figure out which ones they are) plus some specialty papers in non-traditional holiday colors. I'll post all 3 when I am finished. Feel free to carry on with your regularly scheduled programming as this may take a bit of time. Meanwhile, lovin' the pain meds for the tooth fix except they make me a bit sleepy. But, to paraphrase the Bard, to sleep perchance to dream of playing with paper!

Have a good one.

Rise and Shine!

For some ungodly reason, I have been awake since 4:15 am. I refuse to get out of bed that early so I snuggled down in the covers and read until just a bit ago. I have the appointment with the tooth specialist today. I am not sure if he is going to start the procedure to save the tooth today or just do the preliminary work. Either way, not much looking forward to it.

The up side of today is that the appointment is in Dunedin, a wonderful little Scottish community on the Gulf just down the way from my town. There are some of the most amazing little boutiques there and I plan on visiting a few if I feel ok after the tooth guy gets done with me. Remember Jill, the one store where the guy offered us martinis at 10:30 in the morning? May need one of those by the time I am out of the tooth guy's chair!

Today is my daughter's 33 birthday! We will be placing our traditional phone call to her in just a bit before she leaves for work. For eons, it has been our tradition to call and sing the birthday song as loudly and as off key (no effort there) as possible. Not sure how this got started but we all keep doing it year after year, family member after family member! It sure seems like just yesterday that we were bringing her home from the hospital, so small and pretty. The pretty is still there but she is taller (and thinner) than me. I think I am shrinking! Where does time go?

Have a great day!

Things I have learned living 61 years

1. Don't bite the hand that feeds you.

2. Associate with people who like you for who you are and not for what you can do for them.

3. If you put yourself out there for someone and get treated unjustly, give that person one more shot. If the same results occur, move on. After all, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results (and thanks Barb hon for reminding me of this).

And, in tandem, don't treat me like crap and expect me to thank you.

4. The best people to have with you on this journey have a gigantic sense of humor and a small sense of angst. Laughter enriches us and angst wears us out!

5. Sometimes a day in the life is just that and nothing deep or spiritual or anything that requires great thought. Sometimes just being is all it takes to "have a great day" (insert smiley face here)!

6. Surround yourself with smart and well informed people. It adds points to your IQ trying to keep up with them. Everyone has value but find those that support yours.

7. When someone asks you what you think about something, it is often best to decline to comment unless you know them well enough to know that person really does want honesty from you. I no longer fill out random evaluations or critiques for this very reason. Most times they really don't want to know.

And conversely, have three people in you life whom you trust to tell you the truth and listen to them!

8. Try something way out of your comfort zone if not daily at least weekly. If you do the same thing, stay in your comfort zone, you don't grow and we are capable of growth til the day we die.

9. Family is first then those you trust enough to call extended. Take good care of both.

10. Practicing "This is not my problem" does work.

11. Support your friends in what they are up to in their lives. What goes around does come around.

12. Pick your battles carefully. The only result of a pissing contest is wet shoes.


NOW, share a few of your 'rules' of living with me, please!

This is the best part of the weekend

hanging with my gal pals. One of these pictures shows Sonia (aka Sophia), Janet (owner of Scrapbooks Etc. of Bonita Springs, Fl.)and my dear friend, Barb putting up the grid work for Gerri-anne Duke's store at the crop. Once we got things pretty well set up, we turned the hanging of kits and product over to G-a and Sonia and headed with a gang of gals to Sunset Grill in Sebring. While the wait was far too long, we were compensated with complimentary drinks at Kelcey's birthday dinner the next night when Roz, Kelcey, Ginni and I ducked out of the crop supper. And didn't we have fun with Thomas you guys?

Being with people like Barb, G-a, Sophia et al (not to leave out anyone and you each know who you are) is one of the two reasons I love going to weekend retreats. And the reason I am so looking forward to Winter Retreat this next January put on by THE best retreat/crop director there is in this state, Miss Linda (www.hilltopmemories.com). This coming retreat will be held in Oleano State Park the weekend of SuperBowl and will run Thurs- Sunday am. and I can't wait! LInda has a way of making each person at her retreat feel the whole crop has been arranged just for her and the food...drop the diet and just dig in...yummy!

The second reason I love going to retreats is the opportunity to teach. I was an English teacher for about 30 years and it is such a part of me. I miss sharing what I know but not teaching 5 hours a day 5 days a week...and, believe me, adults are so much more fun than the reluctant English students I had...lol.

The rest of the pictures are Sonia (our resident Elf at KnK) chatting online with Kip. Not having Kip at the crop was like not having Lucy and only Ethel or Stan without Laurel. And my pal Jill being AWOL...the drive was ten x longer without you, Roomie! And not a single hug from Linda the whole weekend...deprivation.

The four gals pictured are the Ft. Myers/Cape Coral Cuties as I have dubbed them. These four had me in stitches for most of the crop. And my Scrappy Daughter, Val, who reminded me that "This is not my problem" and " This too shall pass"...thanks hon!

I brought home some wonderful new play things from G-a's store and will be creating some things with them over the next few days. G-a has asked that I not post them until she can get them up in her store so WATCH THIS SPOT!

And to my new friend, Pam. Can't wait to learn those great techniques I saw on your amazing work. Call me soon!

Oh Lucy, I'm hooooooooooooome!

and so glad. Had a blast hanging out with the KnK gals and the few Hilltoppers who attended. My class went well and everyone seemed to enjoy the class and the techniques. I'll post some pics tomorrow from the crop. I made it home in about 2.5 hrs. and got so busy talking to Kip (and yes, you were missed madly...especially when the prizes were called!)that I forgot to turn off at my street and had to detour through town. Wouldn't have been so bad but I'd consumed a huge iced tea on my drive home and the meter was reading expired! Did make it in time. More tomorrow.

Can't wait til Winter Retreat! I missed Linda and Kipper and the rest of the Hilltop Gals!

Don't hate me because I own a Slice!

I have; I've used it; I love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and, thanks to my pal, Janet D owner of Scrapbooks Etc. in Bonita Springs, Fla., I can work it! She walked me through the couple of steps necessary to operate it. She showed me a couple of quick tricks and I've been a Slice-ing fool ever since.

The first part of my class went well! We Glimmer Misted, painted with three different techniques, used All Purpose ink, applied gold paint and pearls and tuelle and velvet! And we have another hour or so tomorrow to finish up.

I did demos with Tim Holtz newest grungeboard shapes (Nature) and Glimmer Mist yesterday and then today have been demo'ing with the Glimmer Mist shapes, layering inks and Glimmer Mist and a little bling and the Glimmer Mist stencils with some layering of the various images in other ways. Having a blast 'addicting' the gals here at the crop! Gerri-anne, owner of KnKclub.com is the vendor for whom I teach and we loaded both my kit for the class and hers and have been having far too much demo'ing with the new products she brought.

I did find a wee bit of time to alter this dress form from Sunday International. I'll be hunting for a wee straw hat to finish off "m'lady" adding some ribbons and flowers.

Miss me a little! More later.

And please wish my friend, Twinks (Kath) and my friend Kelcey both happy happy b'days!

My kits are loaded and

the directions and pictures are printed, collated and stapled and all my supplies for the class are gathered into one place. Now all I have to do is pack my scrap stuff and clothes...ah, yes! Clothes for me...can't forget those!

I leave tomorrow for Sebring and the historic Kennilworth Hotel where I'll be staying and scrapping and teaching and hanging out with the smokers (even though I quit over 11 years ago...)on the front porch rocking chairs. Wish you were coming too! I'll have internet there so watch this spot for updates and fun photos...and maybe I'll even get a project or two done.

I am getting my Dec. kit to work on for KnK when I get to the crop...and my Slice. Does life get any better?

We have a new President

(word image of Obama's acceptance speech credit to Cathy Gill)

I stayed up late last night watching the returns and, as soon as I heard the announcement that we had a new President, I fell sound asleep missing the acceptance speech and the McCain's gracious one as well. I've read them on line and will try to catch this mornings news for a replay.

We have a busy day ahead of us. We didn't get our errands done yesterday so that is on today's agenda. I am writing the dreaded instructions for this weekend's class. It looks like I may have a couple of kits left over and will know more on Sunday. If so, I'll post and let you know how to get one if you are interested. This is the Romanza kit I had pics of a while ago.

I can't wait to crop this weekend. I didn't get much done last weekend what with the lss sale and all and I am itching to play. Will be packed and ready to go by Thurs. afternoon (I hope)!

Have a good one!

Happy Election Day

While I am pretty firm on the candidate of my choice, I honestly don't care how you vote as long as you do! If you have not voted already, please take the time to do so!

This public service announcement has been brought to you by me and I approve this message)! See you tomorrow with goodies!

Another Work in Progress

At Linda's last crop, Creep Over, (www.hilltopmemories.com), Gerri-anne brought her box of Tim Holtz's new releases! I had to have the Grunge board Index album and the Nature Plain shapes and have been working on this album ever since. I have used Glimmer Mist, assorted inks and paints and Stickles and gems and ...well, you name it. I am thinking of using it to hold my favorite Emerson essay on success! If you want to get your hands on this stuff send G-a an email at admin@knkclub.com and tell her Jules sent you! And, this gets even better, Linda just got in a shipment of the new Tim Holtz Distress Stickles...use the addy I gave above for ordering from Linda...Linda and G-a always have the best goodies!

Have a great one and I'll post updates on this album when I make a bit more progress...

Lunch out!

Sandy and I started our "Going AWOL" outings about 7 or 8 months ago. Now, there are three...Gloria! This time we went to Bon Appetite in Dunedin. This is a beautiful place on the water and tres chic inside! The food was wonderful and the company fun as always.

And can you believe this dessert. I had to take a picture of the description on the menu as I knew I'd never remember it...the flavor was amazing.


and a HAPPY HALLOWEEN TO ALL. May you have more treats than tricks!

KNK NOV. goodies

One of the goodies in this month's offering at KnK Club is this darling little chocolate mini album, lots of glittery dies and a package of wonderful rub ons. My daughter will turn 33 soon and, rather than a card, I did this mini album for her. The inside pages show her in her many roles: wife, family member, daughter, Pampered Chef Director, sister, mom to the adopted doggies, but I am missing a picture of her teaching her sweet little second graders. Since she never reads my blog, I am safe in showing a glimpse of the project I have done for her. Will keep looking for the teacher picture.

I'll put up a few of the inside pages soon.

I am off to lunch with Gloria and Sandy today, two of my crafty pals from here in Tarpon Springs. All three of us have been traveling and now are home at the same time so it is Girls' Day Out!

Sat. is the 'garage' sale at Ruban Rouge. I booked my table and hope I can get one close to the store. Kip and Jayne are coming up to shop and, after the sale is done, I'll join them in St. Pete for some cropping at Kip's and a stay overnight. She found my missing make up case and even washed my dirty clothes I had put in the sack with the cosmetics...bless your heart, Kipper! HOpe you get your things back from Ft. Myers soon! It is like everyone who rode home from the crop with Gerri-anne, passed something to the right...lol.

Come see me at the Ruban Rouge Garage Sale on Sat...I have two printers for sale and one is a wide format one!


Off to get more java. Have a great day!

Productive crop

I got so much done at the crop which is a real change for me. I am usually too busy socializing to scrap but this time did both! These are two of the layouts, both about The Boys!

Our router is giving us trouble for some odd reason. The only place we can get an internet connection is on my laptop in the bedroom which is the farthest from the router in the house. So weird. And, every time I have tried to load these two layouts, I have gotten duplicates of them...pretty spooky! Maybe our electronics are 'haunted'? So, if there is more than one of each...blame it on the spirits.

Have a great one...off to work on my fun Tim Holtz grunge board mini album!

MOrning!

We got home from the crop about 9 last night. We had a 'leisurely' journey home and many many laughs. I got TONS of stuff done. I did 5 layouts and two mini albums with the new Nov. kit from KnK and some of the new grunge board from Tim HOltz that Gerri=anne Duke has in the KnK store.

I'll post pictures etc. later...not tons since my camera flash went on the blink the very first night of the crop. I tell you this: no one does scrap book retreats like Miss Linda and her Hilltop Memories crew. The food, the fun the prizes and the friendships...amazing It would be worth your while to join us for any of the events from the day crops in Ruskin and Sarasota to the weekend ones or the cruise. I don't care how far you have to drive, fly or even hitch hike...it is worth the journey. Hats off to Linda, Miss Elle, Michele and Kathy!

More later. We have to get our pal, Jill, off to the airport soon and I have to get my article written for Scrapbook News and Review on My Acrylic Albums for the Nov/Dec. issue. But I promise, pictures soon.

Missed you all,

Off to Creep Over

with all the gals from Hilltop Memories (www.hilltopmemories.com)and can't wait! Lots of pics to follow on Monday. Not taking the lap top as there probably won't be internet connection. See you all soonest! I might even get some creating done; who knows as wonders never cease! Bye for now.

Been MIA for a day or two here

but there is a good reason. I've been putting the final touches on the Romanza class I designed and am teaching at the MS Crop for Hope (Nov 7-9 Sebring Florida). I am only doing ten of these kits and believe me, they are loaded to the gills. The paper mache box is festooned with crumpled and gilded tissue paper, toule
and, nestled in its velvet lined interior is the Prima embossed 6x6 album, glimmered and highlighted with gold krylon ink. The interior pages are a study in black, white and red with textured pages dominant. Add in some velvet flowers, pearls, bling and lace and you have...Romanza for 34.00

If the class does not fill, I'll make these available for purchase through KnKclub.com. If you want to be on the waiting list, let me know (eeickmeier@hotmail.com).

Oh, and wait til you see my upload for Gypsy Rose Paperie for this Friday...I had such fun with this week's free download!

Just a teaser! (taking a lesson from my pal, Chris)

And many thanks to my pal, Lori, for giving me so much chipboard so I could play. More pics on the altered art blog (http://jules-atoasttoalteredart.blogspot.com). If you want dimensions etc. drop me an email at eeickmeier@hotmail.com

Atta Way to go Rays!

E and I stayed up and watched the WHOLE thing. He alternated during commercials to watch the Bucs win! Big night for Tampa! Way to go boys!

Sights of OldTowne St. Charles

Since I have been too sick to create lately, heck, I've been too sick to breathe deeply, I thought I'd share some of my beloved Old Town St. Charles, Mo. with you. (I am feeling marginally better thanks to some wonderfully alcohol laced cough syrup). St. Charles was the first capital of Missouri for a short period of time and, when I was in junior high and high school, this section of town was run down and the wonderful old buildings had been subdivided into cheap apartments and allowed to slide into disrepair. I am not sure exactly when the area began to be rehabbed but it is now a wonderful place.

E and I lived just across the river and it was our favorite place to visit especially at Christmas. We always made reservations for supper at Lewis and Clark Restaurant and asked for a table on the heated top balcony for Las Pasadas...a reenactment of Mary and Joseph's quest for a room for the night. As the couple playing Mary and Joseph would roam from building to building in Old Town being turned away at each stop, more and more people join the procession with candles. The journey ends at the pavilion where the village tree is lit and carols are sang. We would manage to finish supper just in time to join the throng at the tree.

Love this place!

Cough cough cough

That is what I seem to be doing the most of right now. Will post something far more interesting than my cold later today if I can. Off to feel sorry for myself! and take more drugs!