Last morning....

I decided to walk around the neighborhood and have breakfast. I stopped at EJ's Luncheonette and it was definitely worth the stop.
I was lucky enough to get a small table by the window to people watch during breakfast.

Breakfast was SSSOOOO GOOD. A Greek omelet, potatoes and toasted challa.

Inside the diner...

After breakfast, a stop to Knitty City.....yes, I bought something (a pattern and a bag).

And finally, a view of my hotel. It was definitely a budget hotel but worked well for a trip where little time is spent in the room so I could spend money other places.

I loved the beautiful flowers at the green grocer's along the street.

A great visit.......

A Day in New York

I spent a few days in New York over the holidays. I had not been there in a couple of decades. Getting there was a very long day....that ended well with a wonderful Thai dinner that included one of my favorites, green papaya salad.
A visit to Times Square.

An abstract sculpture near Ground Zero in New York.

A Statue of Liberty sculpture in the museum near Ground Zero.

Manhattan skyline from the Brooklyn Bridge.

Gorgeous day for a walk on the Brooklyn Bridge.

Downtown Manhattan, Pier 17, looking over to Brooklyn Heights.

Chinatown...I always love the sights in Chinatown. I was surprised to see so much Durian for sale due to its distinct odor.

I was sorely tempted to stop for a bowl of Pho but kept going since I wanted to save room for other snacks along the way.

Yum, cheese in an Italian deli.

Later in the afternoon, I happened to be on the subway back to my hotel, when I heard the next stop was Bleecker Street. One of my colleagues told me to stop in and try their sangria.

So...I did!

At the end of this really long day, I caught Mamma Mia on Broadway. A great show!!

Times Square at night is a very interesting place. Lots of fake handbags and wallets.

With a stop at CLEAN bathrooms provided by Charmin!

A fun end to a great first day in New York.

Christmas Eve

Hannah played Christmas Carols at church before the service on Christmas Eve.
A family photo at Church.

A book we read before opening presents. It is from when I was a child. It is a very sweet children's book of the Christmas story.

In front of the tree on Christmas Eve (thank goodness for camera timers).

Hannah's new orange scarf.

Simon with his new building set.

Hannah modeling her boots.....

Mmmm.....Bakugun.

Mom's new scarf.

Christmas Morning

Hannah got a pair of boots, skinny jeans and her black plaid shirt for Christmas. She is looking more grown up than I would like to admit. She is all dressed in her Christmas best.
Santa was good to me with some Burt's Bee's pampering items.

Hannah got a sweater and tank in her favorite color from Santa.

Simon got a Nintendo DS game. He was a happy boy!

Family Photos

My friend, April, is a great photographer and she took some photos of the kids and I just before Christmas. She make all of us look so good!
Hannah & Simon working hard to look like they like each other.

My beautiful daughter.

Family photo.....my first since getting divorced.

My beautiful daughter.....this photo makes me very worried for the teen years! She won't be 11 until Valentine's Day!!!

If you live in the Phoenix area, call me and I will give you April's number if you are interested in getting photos taken.

December...Getting Ready for Christmas!

My friends, Diane & David, throw a great holiday party every year!

Jennifer, Diane's daughter, was there with her family. This is a photo of Jennifer & her son, Jacob.

Dom, Bob, Kathy (Bob's other half) and Cathy (Dom's other half. They will be celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary in 2010!).
Wayne & Diana. Wayne has been friends with Diane's family since high school...so at least 20 years.

David...in checking his wine cellar list. I love drooling over their wine cellar list.

This is David's daughter, Theresa, with her daugther, Cali, Uncle Fred and Cousin Derek.

Diane & I before the party started and things got crazy!

Three best friends....

I already have Diane & David's party on my calendar for next year.

November....

I have not updated in awhile. It has been busy! Hannah performed in her first band concert.
Getting ready to play her flute.

The pumpkin chiffon pie I made for Thanksgiving.

I attended the wedding of my old neighbor's in Chandler.

Definitely a good November.