The Real Meaning of Christmas

Hanukkah

Today is the 3rd day of Hanukkah, and most of my friends ask me what it is like to celebrate this holiday with Dave, so tonight I took a couple of photos to show how we celebrated the lighting of the candles on this 3rd night.

Here Dave has lighted the Shamash candle. It is the candle that he uses to light the other candles from left to right, after the prayers.

Here is Dave lighting the candles.

Now Dave is placing the Shamash candle in the center of the Menorah, and we will wish each other a Happy Hanukkah. The candles will burn for about one hour.

This is what the Menorah looked like with the 3 candles lighted tonight. On the 8th night, it is quite a sight to see all the candles create a bright light during the dark December night.

Most people with young children will give the children small gifts each night after the lighting of the candles. Those without small children, like us, just exchange a gift on the first night. Then after exchanging gifts everyone celebrates with an fine meal.

This year I gave Dave a new atomic watch. It sets time with the atomic clock in Fort Collins every morning at 4:00 am.

Now Dave will always be exactly on time.

Dave gave me a beautiful limited edition painted Thomas Kincade snowman statue, that plays "Joy To The World". This is the 2nd Thomas Kincade snowman that Dave has given me. And each one is so different and so beautiful.

Well, this is just a small glimpse into our Hanukkah celebration. And I am so lucky, I get to celebrate 8 nights of Hanukkah AND Christmas!! I don't think life could get any better.

2009 HOLIDAY CARD TEMPLATE

After we sent out our Holiday cards, several people have commented and asked, "Where were you when these photos were taken?". So, Dave created this template to show our locations that correspond with the photos on the card. Enjoy and thanks for the comments on the cards.

Key West

The first part of the month, Dave had a convention that he had to speak at in Orlando, so I tagged along. We were only in Orlando for one day but the Lion company always provides very nicely for all the attendees, (this is the same company that flew Dave and I to England last year). While Dave was in his conference during the day, I just did some souvenir shopping and relaxing (and work). In the evening the company took everyone out to dinner and a show at Cirque Du Soleil La Nouba. It was a very good show, and very European. Cirque has a their own building just for their shows, with 4 difference small theatres inside, it's a very beautiful building.

On Thursday, Dave and I drove down to Key West for a 3 day mini vacation. It's a rather long 7 hour drive from Orlando, and when you finally enter into "THE KEYS" you cross over 42 different bridges, one which is called 7 Mile Bridge, (and it is 7 miles long). Finally, after crossing all these different little keys you enter Key West!! It's like picking up a small New England town and putting down on the southern tip of Florida. The houses are very small and narrow, and the streets are very narrow. No one drives, everyone walks, rides bikes, or rents scooters. We stayed at the very nice little historic B&B called "The Conch House." The weekend we were there was very crowded - which we very quickly found out was due to all the Parrot Heads "Meeting of the Minds" convention. Yup, you guessed it, the Jimmy Buffet groupies had all come to Key West Florida for one long weekend party! And since Duvall Street, (the main street in town), doesn't close down until 5:00 am, it was party central for all ages.

On Friday morning, Dave and I went over to the Hemingway house. The first stop on our tour around the city. I wanted to make sure I got to see the Hemingway cats - those famous six toes cats that I had heard and read about for years. Currently there are 44 cats on the property, all direct descendants of the original cat, and the 2nd most expensive cost for the property. Dave found Archibald Fleabag doing his job, sleeping on Ernest's bed. Our tour guide said that he originally applied for Archie's job, but Archie has a life time contract and isn't about to give it up too soon. While E.H. was a great writer, I learned that he was, shall we say, quite the ladies man and not to serious about his wedding vows. He had many affairs during his marriages, which is why he was married so many times, and he loved to visit the local bars. Which is where he got the inspiration for many of his books - he would sit drinking with the local people listening to their stories about their lives, then go home and write his books.

Next we climbed the 88 stairs to the top of the lighthouse for a 360 degree view of Key West, very impressive. Then a trolley ride over to the southernmost point of Key West, just 90 miles from Cuba. Also, the end of Route 1, or the beginning - depending or whether your coming or going. We toured the Southernmost Hotel grounds and grabbed some lunch at a little place on the beach. The weather was so warm and beautiful, just a little overcast and breezy. Then back on the trolley for more sites downtown. We visited a maritime museum, where we got to hold a bar of silver, (boy is it heavy - could hardly lift it).

A quick trip around town on the trolley. We learned that these small little 800 sq. ft. homes would cost you $500,000 and up, (if you could find one for sale). Our guide said that usually 3-4 people will live together to split the rent, (of about $1,500/mth for a 2 bedroom), since one person usually can't afford to pay this amount. Now if you are one of the fortunate ones, you would own a home with some space and pay about $3.5 Million, (hmmm - Dave how much is in our savings?).

Time to hurry down to the Pier for the sunset. Every evening all the townsfolk and visitors alike gather at Mallory Pier to watch the sunset. It is a sight to behold, as the last rays of the sun set over the horizon. I have seen news clips and read articles about Mallory Pier sunsets, and now I would see the sight firsthand. After the sunsets, the pier comes to life with all kinds of street performers and vendors selling their handcraft items. The wares are very beautiful some are very expensive, while some are very reasonable.

Saturday morning the sky was overcast and the winds had started picking up. But the weather was still warm and beautiful. I could get used to living here, wonder if that Wells Fargo property manager position in Florida is still open? Dave and I headed over to another museum to tour the old Spanish ship salvage wares, this time we got to lift a bar of gold, (hmm how can I get that bar of gold out of this case - oh well). Then over to the Harry Truman "Little White House." Now that was an interesting tour! Dave even got me to take his photo in Mrs. Truman's bedroom, even though they said NO PHOTOS ALLOWED, and I got scolded by the tourguide. That's probably the only time he'll ever get into a first ladies' bedroom. A quick lunch, some souvenir shopping then back to our room so I can catch the Ohio State game, and we have to start packing for our long drive back to Orlando. We have to leave early to catch our flight home.

On Sunday the winds were very strong as we were leaving the Keys, and as we arrived in Orlando we discovered that a small hurricane has begun approaching the southern part of Florida and the weather stations are starting to track the path to see the direction it will take. WOW - out of there in time. But, it turned out to be only a category 1 and it was just a lot of rain and wind in southern Florida. It was a good trip, with lots of memories.

HALLOWEEN

On Friday, Dave and I went to the McGowan's annual Halloween party, but not as our usual couple costume, (i.e.: pope, nun / matching tourist, etc.). This year Dave was Popeye and I was the Old Maid, (from the children's card game). As usual there was so much food and so many people!. This year Dave and I even decided to get involved in the crafts and made a Halloween candy bowl. It turn out very cute.

On Halloween night, Ian came over to stay the night with us and do his trick or treating with Dave. He wanted to go out with his step brothers and step sisters, but his dad said no, so we were very lucky and got to have Ian this year. Ian was dressed as a SWAT Team Member. He looked SO COOL. He and Dave hit every house in our sub division, and he came back with quit a haul. Then he helped hand out candy the rest of the evening. He was very polite and would wish everyone a good evening. Gosh I just love this little guy so much.

The next morning Dave took us to Red Rooster for brunch. We all had a good weekend, and we all ate too much candy. Time to get back on the diet wagon before the Christmas treats start coming around. Hope everyone had as good a time as we did, and as many laughs as we did.

SIX YEAR ANNIVERSARY

This year marks our 6th anniversary, so Dave and I decided to do a 7 day Mexican Riviera cruise to celebrate. We left from San Pedro, CA, (Los Angeles), on Saturday, October 10th, setting sail for Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas, on the Sapphire Princess.

Sat, Oct 10th - We boarded the ship around noon. We had a really nice stateroom on the 12th deck with a large balcony on the port side of the ship. Our cabin stewart, Bethoven, was very attentive to setting up our needs. A quick lunch at the buffet - then off for a walk around the ship to explore what's available and what on board activities we wanted to sign up for. (Temperature is 65 degrees, a little chilly).

We left port 5:14 pm, headed South to Mexico, and week of relaxation, and warm breezes. Oh my gosh - we've got dinner in 45 minutes, gotta hurry and get ready. We met 3 other couples at our table, they would be dining with us this week, (if we all showed up for the early seating). One couple was from Texas, one couple was from California, and 2 elderly ladies traveling together. Ruth is from Boston, (a psychiatrist),who now writes children's books, (very well published), and Linda is from Florida, (a retired publisher), who co-writes with Ruth. Dave and I clicked immediately with Ruth and Linda, and the four of us had a ball - so many laughs and stories were shared around the dinner table by everyone who attended. The couple from California usually ate dinner at one of the other 7 restaurants and at later dining times, but the the six of us had too much fun to miss our regular dinner seating!! Later, Dave and I watched a great show that evening in the theatre, went to a game show, then walked around the deck. So tired from all the activity, need to get some rest.

Sun, Oct 12th - A whole day at sea, nothing to do but relax and enjoy the day as we cruise along the Baja. That's what I thought !! Tonight was formal night and that meant formals. Dave booked an appointment for me at the spa to have my hair done up for photos. So - no swimming and just laying around one of the 7 pools for me. And I so had my eye on the "adults only" pool up on the 15th deck. So - I joined a card making class, (one of my hobbies), and whipped off a couple of birthday cards for my stash. Can never have to many cards on hand. There are so many classes to take on this ship, I wish I hadn't signed up for excursions, (just joking). Then it was time for my spa appointment. While I was in the spa, Dave lounged by the pool with his headphones, taking naps and just enjoying life. After I was done, we grabbed a light lunch, then off to afternoon bingo. But we walked away non winners. Oh my gosh, it's already time to dress, and as return cruise travelers, we received an invitation to the Captain's Champagne Waterfall Party. And, I have a special invite to pour a glass of champagne into the waterfall tonight. So, off to a fabulous dinner with everyone dressed up, then photos, then the Captain's Party and more photos. Then a comedy show with Steve Moris, (a very funny comic). It's late, and we are way too tired for any of the 5 different dance parties on board, so we crash for the night. What a long day - I thought we were going to relax !

Mon. Oct 12th - Another day at sea and the temperatures are rising it's now 89 degrees. And we are finally going to just relax, swim, read, play bingo, catch a couple of shows tonight after dinner. Dave and I have a couples massage at the spa - awww HEAVEN. My kind of day at sea.

Tue. Oct 13th - We awoke to find that our ship had docked in Puerto Vallarta. The air was very hot and humid. Tropical storm Patricia had passed through the day before, and even though it is only 84 degrees the humidity is 95%. We eat a quick breakfast, then down to the dock to meet up with our tour guide for a 1/2 day visit around the city. I am very surprised at how crowded and very metropolitan it is. I bought Dave a hat from one of the local vendors, to help shield him from the hot sun. Finally back to the dock where we stop inside a small bar for some air conditioning and a couple of cokes and some nachos. One of the locals with a cheap digital and a quick printer takes our photo, before we can say "no gracious", and we laugh and buy the poor quality photo anyway.

NO - this is not the hat I bought Dave

We decide that the humidity is just too much to bear, so back on ship to get a quick lunch, change into our swim suits and head out to the covered air conditioned pool on deck 14. The pool is nearly deserted, just a few adults around. After a quick dip, we grab our deck chairs to read, but I don't remember anything past the 3rd page. I awoke to find that ship was leaving dock and we were sailing off to Mazatlan. Oh well, it's time to shower and dress for dinner - tonight is tropical casual dress, and we can't wait to hear every one's stories about their excursions ashore and see what wonderful dishes the chef has prepared. Then we catch a magician show, Joel Ward, (he's ok, more into the younger crowd). A song and dance show and a walk around the ship exploring the art work for sale. Dave spots a Beatles collector's photo with their signatures. I decide, I'm going to get him this for his anniversary gift. He will love it!

Wed. Oct 14th - HAPPY ANNIVERSARY. We wake up to find that we are almost into Mazatlan. The site if VERY different from any other Mexican city. It has lots of tall resort buildings along the shore, (almost like Hawaii). Once again, even though the temp is only 85 degrees, the humidity is 80%, leftovers from tropical store Patricia. It's a little bearable, but not much. A quick breakfast, then down to the pier to meet up with out tour guide. We have a 1/2 day tour of the city. The cathedral is beautiful, the folklore dancing is spectacular, we do a little shopping, then back to the air conditioned comfort of our ship and the pools. My wonderful husband presents me with a gift of opal earrings and matching necklace. At dinner we receive a small anniversary cake and the waiters all sing to us. Dave has a couple of great cards for me and I have one for him. Then we wander over to the art auction. I win the Beatles collection for Dave at the auction, and he is all smiles. We then head over to see a comedy show, Darrell Joyce, (a very, very funny man). We catch a music production in the theatre, then hit the nightclub to catch the Motown favorites show. Another long day.

Thurs. Oct 15th - AHHH, our beloved Cabo San Lucas. "Lucy, we're home"... We awake to find that we are cruising along the Cabo shoreline, a very familiar sight to me, and becoming familiar to Dave. The temp is 85 degrees, but the humidity is still very high from the tropical storm a couple days ago. We decided not to waste our money on excursions, since we know Cabo, we'll just walk around town to look for some of our local friends. But the hot weather and the early morning hours have kept them at home. We stop at Cabo Wabo to see if we can find a new shirt for Dave, but nothing looks appealing, so we have a couple of cokes and some nachos. We wander over to Diamonds International to pick up the free charm for my bracelet, and I wander over to see if the diamond that we looked at in May was still in the display case. I knew my diamond as soon as I saw it - they still had it on display. Long story short, Dave dickered and got a good deal, and I got an upgrade in my diamond ring. He is most definitely the MOST WONDERFUL HUSBAND EVER !! We decided that since we couldn't locate our friends, we would go back on ship and get some lunch and take a nap, (poolside of course). We left Cabo port early at 5pm. Bye, Bye Cabo until March when we return with our friends David and Janice Kram.

Tonight is formal dress night again. And a wonderful dinner of lobsters, steak, shrimp, just too much food. The chef really went all out. Then we decided to catch the Marriage game show, (it's played like the newlywed game show). We laughed so hard. Over to the casino for the Blackjack Tournament and some slot fun. And I walked away with some winnings $8.48. Hey, it's more than Dave, and better than losing!!

Fri. Oct 16th - Another Day at Sea as we head North toward Los Angeles. We decide to hit the pool again for a couple of hours, (I finally get a couple more chapters read in my book). Then off to bingo, still no winnings. Back to the room to pack our bags and get them ready for the cabin stewart. Dinner was home cooked favorites. I had the turkey w/trimmings, (yummy), Dave had scallops, and of course the usual dance of the waiters with the flaming Baked Alaska deserts for everyone. After dinner we caught the 80's music trivial show and the couple of small shows about the ship. Then back to our room for one final packing and to set our bags out for the stewart. Another long day.

Sat. Oct 17th - We are among the ones with an early de-embarkment (8:10 am). So we have to get up early and grab a quick breakfast and be down to the designated lounge. This cruise was a sold out cruise, and yet the efficiency at which they were able to handle the all the passengers during the 2,617 miles is amazing. The staff was wonderful and the ship was beautiful. But like the old saying goes "Now matter where I roam, North, South, East or West, Home is still the best." We arrived home at 7:30 pm, what a wonderful sight. If felt so good to pull into our garage and climb into our own bed and rest our heads on our own pillows.

NOW - when's our next cruise ??

September Birthdays

During September, Dave and I both celebrate our birthdays. We have quit a ball celebrating most of the month. Dave always makes me feel very special by sending me a wonderful bunch of flowers to my office, and this year was no exception. And he always send them at the beginning of the week, so I can enjoy them my whole birthday week.

Dave's company had out of town visitors, and we went out to dinner mid week with the vendor, and just like last year with this vendor, we celebrated my birthday and had lots of laughs. Dean and Jayson are so much fun, I can't wait to see them again in Florida at the convention. We always have so much fun!! My friends, (Stephen and Debbie), gave me a BD party in a bag, really the whole thing, (balloons, hats, noise makers, banner, candy, the works.) It was so funny - I guess they figure at my age I need some PAR-TAAY TIME. This year my birthday also fell on Grandparents Day, so Dave and I were surprised by my grandsons Ian and Trevor with brunch at Golden Coral. They gave us a funny BD card and we laughed and had a very pleasant time.

Dave gave me a great BD gift - a Dave Koz, (my favorite smooth jazz saxophonist), autographed Mickey Mouse statue holding a saxaphone.

For Dave's BD, I gave him a Beatle's 2010 calendar and a Beatle's illustrated biography book, to go along with his new complete digitally remastered Beatle's CD set that he got on 9/9/09. Then I took him to Vegas on Saturday morning to see Jersey Boys. We stayed overnight and came home on Sunday. We had a great time. We even found a few moments to stop in and say "hi" to Dave's brother Bruce, (who lives in Vegas).

It was a busy couple of weeks for us, but we always have a good time celebrating our birthdays. And now we look forward to celebrating our anniversary in October (more to come on that).

I Need To Remember To Check The Garden More Often

I have been pretty busy the last week and haven't checked the garden all week. This morning when I went out to see what was ready to pick from the garden, WOW - I should have went out sooner in the week. The cooler temps and the rains have been very good to our veggies. When Dave saw the size of the zucchini, he said "Did that come our of OUR garden?" Then, Dave just smiled and started thinking about MORE CHOCOLATE ZUCCHINI BREAD.

Since Dave has to work today, I'm going to take the super size head of cabbage and make some sauerkraut. Then we can have it with our hot dogs and pork this winter.

Motorcycle Garage Door Opener - I don't think this one would work at my house.

Company Picnic

Last night our department held it's annual picnic at Evergreen Park. This year my grandsons Ian, (10), and Trevor, (15), went with Dave and I. After stuffing ourselves with hotdogs, hamburgers, veggies and fruits, etc. then the four of us tried our hand at a game of horseshoes. That Trevor has a pretty strong arm, in fact on the last throw he hit the back board so hard that he split it in two !! It was fun evening and the weather was most co-operative. It's too bad that Mike decided a couple of months ago to just walk away and not have anything to do with these two great kids. They are actually alot of fun, and we've been enjoying our regular summer visits with them. One of Ian's highlights was when Grandma and Grandpa won the Grand Prize for the trivia contest - $10 in McDonald's gift certificates, which we promptly gave to Trevor and Ian. OH BOY - now they can buy us a treat for taking them to the picnic...

The Big Green Basketball

This year our cabbage has done very well. On Saturday we picked a large head, (about 5 pounds), and had stuffed cabbage for our Sunday dinner with enough cabbage left over for a large corn beef and cabbage dinner later this week. We still have two more LARGER heads that are ready to be harvested, and these are the size of basketballs and would appear to be around 6 or 7 pounds. We also have five more cabbage plants that are in the mid-stage of being ready to harvest, (we are guessing around the first part of October). We have been enjoying our tomatoes, green peppers, onions, basil, Dave has had his hot peppers, and of course our zucchini.

I have re-planted our fall lettuce, onions, and carrots, so hopefully they will be ready to pick before the weather gets to harsh.

I so enjoy working in the garden, and wish we had a larger plot. We did manage to pressure can some tomatoes and peaches, so we will really enjoy them this winter.

4th Bloom

Two years ago, Mike gave me an Orchid for my Birthday. A lot of people say that they are hard to grow and rebloom. But I must have gotten a good one, because this is the 4th time that this plant has bloomed for me in 2 years. Dave took a picture the other day and wanted me to post it on our blog. I have put it in an East window in our dinning room, and so far it seems to really like that area. I hope it just keep blooming for us.

Never Send a Man to the Grocery Store

Jeanne Robertson tells the best story about sending her husband, (left brain), to the grocery store. But be warned, your going to be laughing so hard that your going to have tears... (First turn off the music down below)...

One Mormon and 32 Jews at the LDS Temple....

SO - what do you get when you put one Mormon and 32 Jews in the new LDS Oquirrh Temple? Answer: A private guided tour arranged by President Packer for the Temple Kol Ami members. Since David is a member, I was able to join his congregation for a special guided tour led by the Stake President, (President Homer), and his 2 counselors, along with 2 members of the LDS public relations office.

Before the tour, I was speaking with President Homer and asked how this tour happened to come about - he said that there was an inter-faith luncheon that President Monson attended along with several Rabbis from the valley, and President Monson arranged for the rabbis to have a private guided tour of the temple. David's rabbi, (Rabbi Rosen was among the group). Rabbi Rosen also took the tour a second time along with the general public, and President Packer extended the invitation to Rabbi Rosen for her to bring her congregation to the temple for a special guided tour of the temple and they would also be allowed to ask questions about the temple and the LDS faith.

I was so honored to be among the guests, and learned so much more than I would have just walking through on our own. And the Kol Ami congregation was treated very special. As they were moved from room to room, the various other tours were stopped, and the congregation was ushered into the rooms alone, the doors were closed and they were told the symbolic meanings of each room, what each room was used for, and were also allowed to asked questions.

The most often asked question was: if there was a higher authority between the rooms, and between the different temples in our faith. Which of course between the temples there is no differences.

We learned that the marble for the baptisty was imported from China, and the chandelier in the Celestial Room is over 15 feet tall and has over 19,447 individual hand cut Austrian Swarovski Crystals and that each painting hanging in the temple was personally approved by President Monson. President Homer estimates that over 600,000 visitors will tour the temple prior to the August 1st dedication.

This was indeed a very special temple tour. Then of course on to Dave's favorite part of every tour - the tent with the cookies. We were quite surprised to look at our watches and discover that this tour took 2 hours, twice as long as normal - but so worth it I think.