Making a Christmas House

Last night Ryder wanted to decorate for Christmas after observing the lights on E. Hampton Way on the way home from Jakie and Christian's house. I investigated one of the green and red Christmas tubs from the garage and Ryder was ecstatic to find our 2' high green and red Christmas ball tree from last year, a white trumpet (decorative only), a large metal birdhouse ornament, two fake battery operated candles and a plushy soft snowman. After finding 4 double A batteries and lighting up the fake "candles" Ryder entertained himself by looking at his multiple reflections. He spent what seemed like hours "playing" the trumpet and finding suitable decorative locations for the various holiday paraphernalia. This entire process took in actuality only a half hour. Ryder had made his "Christmas House" and it was enough for me!

Miriam and Stu

We drove to Costa Mesa on Tuesday, November 20 and stayed overnight at the Holiday Inn http://www.hicostamesa.com/. The hotel was very nice with a very comfortable bed. I would stay there again.

On Wednesday the 21st we stopped in for a visit with Miriam and Stu in Irvine.

They are doing well enough although I would have liked to have spent more time with them. They have their routine and seem to be comfortable with it. I have to remember to send Miriam that book list I promised her! Here is one of my favorite pictures of them from 1978.

San Diego Thanksgiving

It's the Friday after Thanksgiving and we're stuffed turkeys. Michelle, Mark and Reed had Thanksgiving at their house for the first time and it was all good. As though we didn't have enough to eat already, we headed for Fidel's Norte in Carlsbad this evening only to eat Mexican food followed closely by homemade pie and ice cream. I recommend the Chicken Tostada Suprema. The chicken was excellent and the guacamole was just right. The tostada had good flavor and thankfully I didn't need to add any salsa. I wouldn't recommend either of the two salsas that were presented. I would go back. It was good Mexican food but not great.

Tomorrow is a photo shoot at Michelle and Mark's so we hope to be alert enough to look good. It's been a relaxing four days and the drive home tomorrow will be a chore. I'm looking forward to getting back to the daily grind and the Christmas rush. Next week . . . Pismo.