Christmas Day in Pictures

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

I'm thankful for so much in my life and I look forward to exploring the world in which we live with gratitude and enthusiasm in the coming year.

Family dinner in D.C.

Thomas and I cajoled the rest to try Nando's Peri-Peri, which turned out to be a fabulous time together with great food.

A moving photography exhibit

The quote in the photo below is so true. After I was done touring the Pulitzer Prize Photographs exhibit, which moved me to tears a few times, I found this quote to have deeper meaning than I had when I entered. An image can change the life of its beholder, as well as the life of the photographer who took it.

Blinded by the light..

Carter and myself just before sleep on his birthday night. Happy 11th year of life, Carter!

Turtle Wurdle

I made this turtle for my friend who is expecting her first child this February. It was my first sewing project after almost 2 years of NOT sewing, and it shows! I had fun making it and am very proud of myself for not giving up despite my lack of expertise. Now onto another sewing project...

Sunday Hike with Thomas and Carter

Flashback, 2002, Melissa, Carter, Bailey & Maggie

Flashback, 2002, Ivy & Carter

Scootering

More from Eastern State Penitentiary

We could feel the rawness and energy of our immediate surroundings once we entered the first cell block on the guided audio tour.  Our world changed from present day to the reality the prisoners of the early 1900s to 1960s experienced at ESP with the help of Steve Buscemi narrating the history and retelling personal accounts on audio.  So many details about the building and the daily lives of prisoners were shared in such a colorful light through the audio presentation.  The building and its history is very intense to say the least!

Some of the highlights: the cell blocks, Carter enjoyed the courtyard and the surveillance control room, Pep (the Chocolate Lab incarcerated for killing the Governor's wife's cat in the 1940s), Al Capone's cell, and the art installations.

Eastern State Penitentiary

Rugby World Cup 2011...

...has begun!

And our domestic life will not return to normal until the 23rd of October.

This evening I wanted to watch a DVD on our only television. Thomas begrudgingly complied and transferred himself... and his laptop... to the next best, and most comfortable, spot... the bedroom. And of course Daisy joined him.

Please let October 23rd come soon!

Dogs of Encinitas, CA

California Dreamin'

La Jolla Shores Beach

Old Town, San Diego

Old Town in SD is a small strip of historic and modern stores, restaurants, and preservation learning centers. The expected tourist shops are there with nick knacks and such, and then there are also unique independent artisan shops that give Old Town a neat vibe. And I'm not a "big" shopper, so it says a lot that I keep going back :)

Coronado Beach

Coronado beach is one of the nicest beaches with fine white sand and a lovely shore line to look at. Hotel Del is quite architecturally and luxuriously impressive. The last time we were on the island we took a tour of the old and famous hotel, but this time we opted for a nice long walk on the beach.

Coronado Island Public Library

What a beautiful library with fine wood and tile finishes. Glass cases line the main corridor for exhibits and the children's area has fun paintings on frosted glass framing its entrance. It's a lovely space with an excellent collection.