Christmas gift made in Americca

We have so much bamboo in this area. Could we make these for Christmas gifts? Talk about made in America.

Pictures from another Christmas party

Here's some of my favorite people at yet another Christmas party. I'll be seeing them again this Saturday night at the Glass Party at CAC. I'm going to sign up for Becky's cast glass class (easy for you to say). Cynthia took the class and I admire her two pieces every time I visit her house. Can't wait.

2009 Christmas party pics #8

Yes, the Christmas party pictures continue. Aren't you delighted I didn't get snow pictures? These are great pictures. Everyone's having a good time and schmoozing.
I hope Christmas was delightful for you. We had another low, very low key Christmas. James Randall and I went to see Mom. One of those visits where she has no clue who he is, but Miss Southern Lady pretends and is very gracious. When she thinks he's not paying attention she whispers (several times) "Who's this nice young man?" I have her room covered with pictures of him age 10 and under. Mom and I both pretend he's still that kid. James Randall, a veteran of nursing homes after these last 4 years made a caustic comment, "I see the once a year visiting families are here in force." Yup.

www.octopusandocotpie.com is slow going, but check it from time to time to see what's going on.

2009 Christmas party pics #4

I love how people mingled so well this year. I have other pictures of Ms. Stearns pretty in purple. Now all are of her back.

To Patrizios tonight to meet great friends. One said the magic sentence tonight. She noted her 10 year old dogs were getting up slowly, too, because of arthritis. She reminded me her doggies were 10 years old. Gave me hope for BlackJack. He's getting up slowly going to be 14 soon. Becky's right, it's arthritis, not old age.

I had to give Evan a Christmas hug. Patrizios was slammed with customers. Without missing a beat Evan said, "Merry Christmas, Lottie." No way I could remember my customer's names on a very slow day. He's amazing and runs, in my humble opinion, the best Italian restaurant in town. This was our friends' first time, but not last. They were delighted with the food and couldn't get over the reasonable prices. How great for them to see the lighted trees of HP Village during the holidays, always my favorite.

I just finished putting together the first page of the brand new Octopus and Octopie website/blog up. Don't have a clue what to do now. If you get a chance, check out: www.octopusandoctopie.com.

Christmas Party Pics #2

Of course I'm standing on a chair for my picture with Miss Lorie. Only time I'm ever taller than her.

Here's our bartender and barback.

Mary and Tommy festive as ever.

Barbaree Babes and Andie's neighborhood Animal Alert

Barbaree Babes met at Carol's last night. We voted on our very own neighborhood Animal Alert as our charity for Christmas and the rest of the year. Might have a fund raiser during the year.

Carol had great treats for us, everyone talked at once and a good time was had. We always need a project and Animal Alert will be the best.

last of IAAPA pics

Took Chris and Carol to the airport today. They were on their way to San Francisco to be with her brother, Richard, his partner, Martin and her Mom, Doris who flew out earlier. Carol mentioned I haven't put the Christmas party pictures on the blog yet. She's right. So this is the last of IAAPA pics. Won't even get names with them - you know who you are. Will try to post later tonight and put on party pictures.

Back to Fall Festival

More Fall Festival pictures.  I'm probably repeating several pictures now, but they're so cute they are worth repeating.  I hope you can see Mike and Shelly's yard and garden in some of these pictures.  They have a wonderful front yard and of course when Mike decorates for holidays it's spectacular.  Can't wait to see what Christmas will bring.  I'm sure the lady ice skater will be back.  We need to get her in the newspaper again.  Maybe I can get Mike to dress as a skater and be up there with her in the picture.  Ice skating in an East Dallas garden, how "cool" is that?  The Fall Festival was a great party.

Fall Festival Pictures

Neighbors in Mike and Shelley's garden for the Fall Festival.  First picture is Dawn Estes making contribution to the Forest Hills Neighborhood Association.  Pretty cool.  Then people who came and enjoyed.  Lots of fun was had.  I'd put Mike and Shelley's yard up against any carnival anywhere in Dallas.  I wish we'd had a bigger turnout.  Mike and Shelley and the rest of the crew worked hard to make this a wonderful party for big and little Fall Festival goers.  Maybe word about all the fun will bring lots more next year.

Mike and Shelley wanted to let everyone know their yard and gardens will be a decorated spectacular like last year (probably more so) and encouraged all to get their decorations going for Christmas.  They sure give Liz at Lizland a run for her money.  The entire neighborhood enjoys their yard each year.  I loved the lady ice skater last year skating in circles.

More pictures to come.