CHRISTMAS EVE and CHRISTMAS DAY

Our celebration was mainly on Christmas Eve. Ron and Amy had to drive north on Christmas Day to spend some Christmas time with Amy's family. We are so grateful that they manage to make the effort to be with us each Christmas. They are so special!

So we had our main meal on Christmas Eve and opened most of the "non-Santa" gifts that evening. A great time was had by all until we were all exhausted and turned in for the night.

Christmas morning the fun continued. Ron and Amy left right after breakfast. The rest of us spent a very pleasant day eating leftovers and just relaxing. As soon as it got dark Lisa and I revived an old tradition and walked around the neigborhood looking at Christmas lights. I really enjoyed that!

MID DECEMB ER

We returned to Ashland on the 18th of December. On the 20th Rick, May and May's cousin, Jody drove south from Portland to spend the holidays with us. On Thursday Ron and Amy joined us also.

We spent time watching movies, playing games, eating, and visiting. It is so wonderful to have all the kids home for Christmas. My concern for my Mom and Dad overshadows everything I'm afraid. It is difficult to be so far away.

SO MUCH TO BLOGG, SO LITTLE TIME

EARLY DECEMBER

December started with sad happenings for my mom. She ended up needing a masectomy. She was courageous and strong and brave and faced all kinds of annoying stuff.

The light of my stay on the central coast was seeing all the family and all the beautiful little children. So sorry I missed the birth of Mason Matthew McComb.

It was difficult to leave Mom and Dad and I look forward to returning in a couple of weeks.

OUTDOOR RESORTS

We have arrived at our winter home last Monday. After being away for the off season there was much catching up to do, cob webs to be removed, tons of dust, sprinklers to be fixed etc. None of the jobs were too cumbersome. Don't miss the beautiful white heron sitting by the lake.

Otherwise, Ron has golfed almost every day and I am busy settling in. It is nearly paradise here. Weather is too perfect for me the Fall lover, but Ron is truly in heaven. Everything is flowers, green, and sparkling air. The nights are a little chilly, I guess, by southern California standards. In any case, one cannot complain.

LAS VEGAS, SATURDAY

We sure walked our feet off today. After coffee/tea and bagels in the morning we thought we would once again do a Casino tour. We visited the Balagio and Ceasar's Palace once more. This time we saw the Balagio Lobby with some incredible Fall decorations. There was even an agri-sculpture. Agri-sculpture is something made out of plants. This one was a bridge with a walk through gateway. Indescribable,really, but I will include a picture of Lisa on that particular walkway. Some of the pumpkins there were over 500 pounds.

This evening I won $63.00 on a nickel machine. And it only took me a dollar of nickels to do so. That was neat! The kids bought margaritas by the yard and we all shared them. Even at that we couldn't finish them. Unbelievable! This place is so incredible.

LAS VEGAS, FRIDAY

This beautiful day began with Heather handing the keys to her old car to Lisa. Lisa is thrilled with the sweet Honda. It is a 2002 Civic and in excellent shape. Heather got a new 2006 model.

Well after traveling to Los Angeles on Thursday we took off for Las Vegas on Friday morning. Mother (Tessie), Lisa, Ron and I took one car. Diane, Jose, Heather (the birthday girl), and Heather's boyfriend, Casey took another.

What a marvel this place is!!! A Disneyland for adults I would say.

We stayed at the Aladdin right across the street from the Balagio. The Balagio is probably my favorite hotel. We were next to the Paris. Such fun! We also walked to Ceasar's Palace. I am amazed at how Las Vegas has turned into a major shopping mall. This seems to be more of an occupation for visitors than gambling or shows. Wow!

We celebrated Heather's birthday with dinner at P.F.Chang's. That was great. Of course we tried a little gambling. Being old fashioned we were disappointed to find out there were no coin machines in our hotel. We all yearned for the sound of real nickels falling into the tray. Oh well! We had a lovely day anyway.

TRAVEL SOUTH

Ok, so we left Ashland Saturday around noon. We spent the night with friends in Walnut Creek.

On Sunday morning we continued south. We stopped by Blackstone Winery in Gonzalez, California. Ron remembered an excellent Merlot that Connie had shared from there one time when she was out west visiting. He was interested in rediscovering it. We ended up buying a couple of bottles of things only available at the winery. Fun though!

After that we spent some time at Montana de Oro. This is the beautiful beach that Angie loved so much. It was here that we scattered her ashes. I have included some pictures.

From there we went to Patty's and Scott's. We arrived at the same time as Grandpa and Grandma. We were so happy to see Grandma Amy, Melissa, Matt, Angela and of course Patty, Scott and my brother, Dave. The meal was delicious and the company was a favorite.

Since Sunday we have been spending time being with my Mom and Dad and that is wonderful. I really haven't taken any more photos. Last night Patty came over and joined us for dinner. Today we went into San Luis and had Frank's famous hot dogs for lunch. Tomorrow we should be having dinner once again at Scott and Patty's. That way we can see everyone again before we head to L.A. on Thursday. With any luck I will remember to take more photos tomorrow. Maybe David III and Kim and Chloe will even join us.

HALLOWEEN !!!!!!

Well the big day has finally arrived. We really love Halloween around here. We did carve the pumpkin, toast the seeds, and even got carmel apples. In the past I always made the apples myself. But this year, with just the two of us, I cheated and bought our apples at The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. (see photos). Ron worked hard to create an Alien pumpkin.It was a great pumpkin in the seed count, so many. I may be burning the house down with all the candles I like to light. But what fun!!!

Now I am sitting here answering the door for all the cute little critters that come trick or treating. This truly is a wonderful holiday.

SAT/SUN

SATURDAY

Ok, so I let my batteries go dead yesterday and missed our lovely dinner out last night. Ronnie took us all to the Dragonfly. We had champagne, wine, wonderful appetizers, great food. But best of all was the company. From there we went to a Cigar Bar, at least that is what they called it. It is otherwise known as the Hong Kong Bar. A friend of Rick's owns it. Ronnie, Rick and Aaron smoked cigars while Ron, Amy and I watched.

P.S. Earlier in the day Amy and I went to the movies to see NORTH COUNTRY. It was a very moving movie. I bet Charlize Theron is nominated for this one this year. There may be other nominations also, great acting.

SUNDAY

The extra hour of sleep was appreciated by all. We had coffee/tea and visited this morning. Once football started Amy and I headed off to Lithia Park for a walk. It was even more beautiful than last Monday. We both had our cameras and photographed away. We arrived home to hear the "exciting news" that the Rams had won their game. We followed that with Sunday spaghetti dinner. The men then returned to more football watching. Amy is studying and I am doing this blog thing.

P.S. May had to fly to Thailand. Her step-dad died last week. He was only in his fifties, but had serious heart problems. May is doing OK. She finished her last radiation treatment Tuesday before she flew out. We do miss her very much. She will be home Tuesday, the 8th. Thank God.

KIDS ARRIVE

Friday night the kids arrived around 8:00pm. We enjoyed pizza, beer, and wine. How much fun is that? Our guests were Ron, Amy, Rick, and Amy's brother, Aaron. So too cool!

A WALK THROUGH THE PARK

This morning was Mary's day to fly back to Seattle. We decided to take a stroll through Lithia Park to check the colors again. This walk was important to take before we went to the airport. I warned you back awhile ago that I am a fall freak. Also soon we leave for the south where seasons are less colorful. So I am soaking it all in and sharing it with you all while I can. So enjoy.