BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE

So you think it's cold? Arizona has produced new record lows and highs (meaning they are lower than ever!). First time in decades that you actually need to wear a coat (yes I said COAT) in Phoenix.

February 4, 2011 - Mesa Arizona

HELLO 2011!

Prescott was a very cool 5 degrees on New Year's Eve. After shoveling snow from sidewalks and porches, we were ready to greet friends for a great celebration.

As new and old friends gathered we figured out it takes a village to open champagne. There is a possibility that the laughter and fun made the task next to impossible, but everyone got a turn and finally the task was accomplished.

As the evening progressed the stories were better and better. Friends sharing tales of past years.

Friends came from Arizona and California to enjoy the evening and the weekend.

New friends, John and Martha. We enjoyed their company and hope to have an opportunity to get together again soon.

Jak and Val, the newlyweds. Glad they could spend New Year's in Prescott.

New and old friends gathered to welcome in 2011! We had a fun time and look forward to getting together throughout this year.

Evidence!!.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ONE AN ALL!

BEST TREE EVER - I VOTED!

So here we are and it's time to get those holiday decorations out once again. I love decorating for Christmas as I go through the decorations and remember the special story that each one holds. I'm sure we all have them, the ones the kids made in the oven when they were 4 years old, the ones that were handed down from Grandma in 1970, the ones that you found on sale after the season. All of those that have special stories of friends, family, kids.

So then I go out to this great little shop in Prescott called "Fancy That" and I see these decorations! I really felt the need to have my tree decorated just like it. So ---- I buy new decorations, take them home, have a friend help me REDECORATE the tree and here is the result! This tree just makes me smile!

A WEDDING TO CLOSE OUT 2010

Jak and Valerie Kaminski wedding, December 30, 2010. Russ and I have known Jak for more than 30 years so Russ was honored to be asked to be the Best Man at the wedding.

Here comes the Bride! Jak and Valerie were married at their home in Paradise Valley, AZ. It was certainly a windy and cool day but the warmth and happiness of the wedding overcame those obstacles as the beautiful bride entered the room.

Mr. & Mrs. Jak Kaminski.

CHORE #1 2011 - UPDATE KITCHEN

Now that we have updated the countertops in our kitchen and removed that horrible wallpaper it's time to stop thinking about updating the appliances and actually do it! New appliances were delivered and are now standing ready in the entry hallway. I know, I know, but it's two weeks out before the appliances will be installed by Russ and friends.

Here is the stuff we are replacing. Currently there is a white refrigerator, a beige stove and microwave and a black dishwaster. Soon all will be matching stainless steel. Yay!

MY FRIENDS NEW CRAFT - WHIMSICAL!

These whimsical suncatcher flowers are made by my friend Melanie. She has used various sizes, colors, and textures of antique glassware together to make fun sun catching flowers.

Let me say how they just look beautiful and fun in my front planters. Each design is unique!

If you're interested in purchasing - she will be displaying her craft at the Smoki Museum craft show this coming weekend, November 12-14.

OH FALL!

This was the most amazing fall season I have seen in Prescott in decades! It was so amazingly beautiful in the morning sunshine. It even appeared that the houses were painted over with gold overtones. This is a picture from our back porch. This was such an infusion of gold - it was breathtaking. OH FALL!!!!

Our walk to breakfast early Saturday morning gave us the opportunity to walk under the canopy of gold! I can't remember when I've seen Prescott so beautiful with fall color.

The picture on the left is taken walking north along Mt. Vernon, the picture on the right is walking south along the same walkway. That one tree with all of the yellow on the trunk was quite the scene stealer for the weekend. So many tourist and Prescott residents stopped to take photos of that one tree. The tree is in front of our neighbors home.

The houses seems to be painted with gold overtones.

In our backyard, under the pergola, you feel as if you are sheltered with a sea of gold. It was wonderful to see the Fall colors!