Godfather Dan's Birthday

To celebrate Dan's birthday, we invited the Fortmann's over for dinner. It turned out to be just like old times, celebrating Christmas, celebrating his birthday and just having a fun time. With the six of us, the group has definitely dwindled down in numbers. But such is the case with girls :-) We had made first a salad of Lemon Poppy Seed Vinaigrette on a Bed of Greens, Apple, Pear, Cashews and Cranberries, then homemade Seafood Lasagna, and finally Tapioca. I hope Dan enjoyed the night and had a wonderful Birthday Day the following day.

A Quaint Christmas

Christmas Eve this year was very mellow. We kept it small and ended up going to Ti Amo to celebrate. Mom and I had a 4 course meal, while Dad and Dag had appetizers and then split a Paella. It was a really splendid evening. The restaurant felt quaint, so it almost seemed like you were at home. But the plus side was that you did not have to cook, nor did you have to do any dishes.

Mom and me

Dad and me

Dag and Mom

The meal was wonderful. Everything was cooked to perfection. The night was so nice. We got home and stayed up until midnight to put the baby Jesus in the Nativity Scene. Just a typical little tradition :-)

I awoke the next morning, and to my delight, Santa had not forgotten the house! I was stunned to see so many gifts under the tree. I am so lucky to still be graced by Santa's presence every year!


And the main gift this year is those set of golf clubs you see below...
Seems as though I'll be having to take some real golf lessons in the New Year!!!

I hope everyone had a very merry Christmas!

A Kitty Get Together

As mom and dad were hanging up the Christmas lights, my kitties decided to join them. For once, I was not the one having to decorate, although I did supervise from my bedroom window...yes I know, I am such a helpful child. But I could not have done much better than they did at hanging and decorating. The courtyard looks so fantastic all lit up at night!! So as the two were working hard in the cold (yes is it was very cold) Sly and Java had to come and at least watch.

here are some snapshots with Sly

and as Sly left, Java came to check out what was going on...

I love my two kitties to death, and although they have both become outdoor cats, they are still as cuddly and attached as ever.

PS Sorry for the lack in quality these photos were taken via my blackberry...

A Black and White Affair

Saturday evening Kathleen and her roommates hosted a Black and White Holiday Party. It was a fun gathering with plenty of wine and festive food. Here are a few snapshots from the evening. Let the merriment continue!!

Morgan, Tasha, Carly, Brigid, Kathleen, myself, and Katie
the beautiful hostesses are wearing red

Bryan, Travis

Carly and Avi

Jon and Tasha
taking a break from the food and drinks for some snapshots

Thank you so much Kathleen for hosting such a fun festive evening! It's always a pleasure to be able to spend an evening with friends and celebrate the season!

To Keep In Mind This Holiday Season

The Beginning of the Holiday Season

December is here and that means Christmas decorating, good food and drinks, and parties. To start the holiday season, my firm had our annual Christmas Dinner a bit early. December 8, 2008, we had dinner at Pelican Grill in Newport Beach. We all spent a very fun evening. I was surrounded by not only my bosses, but also all the wives and Andy came with me as my date. Free flowing wine, wonderful food along with great friends/bosses is a great way to ring in the holidays. I hope everyone is starting the holidays already as well. It's a great time to start thinking about others, and to just have a great and fun month.

The End of an Era

It is official; the precious fig tree has been chopped down!! It really is the end of an era in the family...

goodbye Mr. Fig Tree

Now:

Then: