As a Dog

Christmas was Pretty cool, but now I have the flu. Spent all day yesterday with fever hallucinations and passing out. Today was better. I actually got out of bed and took a shower. I'm hoping to feel much better tomorrow and then be ok for NYE. Have photos to process and stuff to do.

Been reading and catching up with bloggy buddies, and lazing about the house. Also have realized that daytime T.V. Is boring and repetitive. Have run out of immunitea, and am getting desperate. The Boys have been fairly well behaved for the past 2 days, telling me that they are sorry that I am sick. They have been very sweet, and The Oldest even made his own scrambled eggs for lunch. I supervised and they turned out delicious (according to him).

We Need a Little Christmas

This is my absolute FAVORITE musical - of. all. time.


And because I couldn't NOT include Bea:


Took The Oldest to see this musical over Christmas Break, and admitedly teared up on this song:


I hope you all have a wonderful day!

My Town Shoot Out - Christmas

This week's Theme is courtesy of the My Town Shoot Out gang.
"Our theme for this week is Christmas. Christmas is celebrated worldwide. How is Christmastime celebrated in your part of the world.
Christmas is a favorite of winter celebrations, a time for beloved traditions that are honored year after year. A time of hope for the future and reminiscing of Christmases past.
Caroling, feasting, and gift-giving along with the prayers and wishes - Christmas is celebrated with high spirits in various parts of the world.

As we rejoice in the birth of Christ, we're reminded of just how special the day truly is. It's no wonder why Christmas is the most popular holiday of all!

We are all very busy this time of year, especially this week. Hope you all can find a few minutes to post what your Christmas tradition or family fun time is.
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!!."

Check out the other participants here and here.

Christmastime here in Northern California can mean snow and rain and ice. For me it always means warm houses and cold weather, and driving around with friends and family to look at Christmas lights:

This year it also meant a lunar eclipse on the Winter Solstice:

The following shots were all taken on a walk through neighboring downtown Danville:

Renovations of the Danville Hotel:

 The winter death of a rose:

Gingerbread people in a bakery window:

And because I was led to the following, and they made me smile this holiday season:
The cutest version of The Christmas Story EVER:

And for those of you who enjoy a good song and dance number:


May you all have love, happiness and hope this coming year. Love and peace to you all!

My Town shoot OUt - 10 minutes

OK, so I meant to go 10 minutes away, and indeed may do just that before the weekend is up - and shoot incredible photos.

But today I was at a Happy Hour Playdate with my friends. We drank Sangria, and ate a TON of appetizers, and laughed, and cried, and all the bonding stuff we do. All this while our kids tore around like crazy people and played and laughed and fought and were really very loud. It was a blast, and needed, and relaxing, and I truly love my friends. Truly.

Image is not mine.
And as I reflect upon the afternoon and evening, I am reminded of this song:

My Town Shoot Out - Thankful

I know this isn't Friday - I seem to be an entire day behind these days...

I think in Dublin, what we are most thankful for is living in a beautiful city, is made up of communities, made up of people who care about each other. The communities are varied and come together initially because of commonality. We are made of members of specific organizations, families, neighbors, school friends, co-workers, and people we run into regularly. Within our communities, we help each other out as much as we can, and are always there when we need each other. In the hustle and bustle of the holidays it is easy to forget that we are all in this together, and all of us are members of one human family.

Personally, I am grateful for my friends and family, for our continued good health and humor, and for being here another year to celebrate life.

Oh, and my oldest turned 10 this week:

From this sweet and adorable 6 month old:

To this sweet and adorable 10 year old:

Happy Weekend all!

Tableau Tuesday - On Wednesday

I know that I am late on this, but I DO have over 600 photos that were narrowed into the selection below.

Before we get there however, I would be remiss if I didn't at least mention that today, December First, is World AIDS Day. I have walked and raised money to fight AIDS (among other things) for over 20 years now, and I work toward a future where AIDS no longer kills. In fact, in many instances it doesn't.

Also, I received some news of a dear friend being diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. I have no idea what that designation actually means, though I will be researching it later this week. She will be in my thoughts for her treatment path and recovery.

Now on to the photos, all taken last Friday, in Snata Cruz, and all gifts of unparalleled delight:
Two seperate sightings of Red Tailed Hawks. For this I feel blessed:

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

West Cliff, The Harbor and their sights:

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

The Sunset from Wadell Creek Beach. I took 168 images trying to capture the green flash, but to no avail...

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.