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Sorry...trying to figure out how to blog on the iPad while we are gone and I keep getting an error message. This is just a test. Gotta figure it out before we leave.

Christmas Preparations

Well the Christmas preparations are in full swing right along with the typical holiday sniffles. Yes, I got a cold last week while substituting for a friend at my old school. Ugh!

Anyway, the shopping is done and wrapped so I can check that off my list. This is the 21st of December and the world did not come to an end as predicted by the Mayan calendar. I've never had my shopping done so early. It is a good thing though because Dan and I are sharing a car right now. What that really means is that I am stuck at home. Wow am I getting a lot done though!

Yesterday and today I have made many batches and varieties of Christmas cookies to share with family and friends.

Last night I went out with the "girls" to see the San Diego Musical Theater production of "White Christmas". It was amazing and really got you in the mood for the holidays. The gal who was cast as Betty looked just like Rosemary Clooney. Anyway, great fun

Tomorrow I am baking holiday cupcakes to take up to Alta Loma for the big celebration on the 23rd. I found a wonderful recipe via Pinterest for vanilla bean white wedding cake. It is to die for and some of those recipes you find on Pinterest are a bit iffy, but this is awesome. Speaking of Pinterest, if you want to find me there are several Katie Pedersen's, I am the one with the yawning dachshund mouth.
LOL- it's Danny!

It seems like it is taking forever to get stuff done though because I keep napping from this cold. I need to get well before we leave on vacation January 5th.

Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas with family and friends and take time to remember the reason for the season.

Holiday Tea

My friend Debbie invited me to a women's tea sponsored by her friend's church. I had heard about this tea, but had never been. Basically, a woman "sponsors" a table and is in charge of decorating it with her own place settings, fabulous centerpieces, teas, candles  etc. The organization provides light appetizers that include tea sandwiches, scones, cheeses, and desserts all served by waiters. I don't know what the cost of the tickets were because it was a gift, but I am sure the proceeds went to some Women's Ministry fund. During the evening, there was an inspirational speaker who talked about the seasons of life every woman goes through. There was also incredible music vocals backed my guitar, violin, cello and piano. It was a great way to bring in the holiday spirit and to reflect upon the true meaning of Christmas instead of the typical Christmas parties common this time of year.
 

 When we walked into the hall, we saw probably 50 tables of 8. All seats were full with ladies from pre-teen to great-grandmothers. Everyone was dressed up for the occasion. Before the tea began, we could walk throughout the area treating ourselves to view each of the tables. Some were traditional Christmas, but no two were alike. There was a deep turquoise and silver table, a Japanese cheery blossom theme table, and a cupcake theme to name a few. Our table was brown and turquoise with a winter reindeer theme. It was exquisite! Each woman had a small gift at her place setting to take home. Ours was a beautiful poem and ornament to match the theme. It was a magical evening and I am so grateful I was invited to attend.

Weight Watchers

YEAH!! I met my goal---well, my Dr.'s goal for my weight loss. He wanted me to lose 20 lbs. in hopes of helping my hip bursitis. I started the journey of weight loss in April and just last week, I finally reached the goal. OK, I have not been at this weight since 2000! The bursitis is indeed better, but not 100%.

Weight loss is both good and bad. On the up side, I feel better. On the down side, I had to buy new clothes! That may seem odd coming from the queen of shopping, but I need new clothes from top to bottom. Everything sort of hangs on me and that is not good for the wallet.

Now the challenge will be to keep the weight off through the holiday seasons and while traveling abroad. I have discovered that the secret for me is going to the meetings for weekly encouragement and doing some activity daily. Weight Watchers is such a great program and offers so much support. I'm going to try to lose another 5 pounds, but I won't set that goal for over the holidays. Just hoping to maintain from now through January.

Walk at the Bay

Now that Thanksgiving has past, it seems like the commitments pick up and there is food everywhere! When I was 25, this was a wonderful time...lots of excitement. Now at the end of my 50's it seems a bit overwhelming.

A group of gals from church meet once a month on a Saturday to walk along beautiful San Diego Bay. This is not the part of the bay I am near, so it is fun to see something different. Exercise is still not fun, but walking with the gals makes the miles go quickly. Great time of fellowship AND burns those calories from food excess. You never know who will show up...could be six or up to 15. As you can see, we are a multi generational group! I'm the little one in the shadow behind my friends.