Opps! Changed My Mind

This started as a Xmas LO and I even had some pieces glued down when I "changed my mind". Yes, decided when going through the photos on the computer that I needed to go in a different direction. What to do?
I decided to punch out 1 inch and 1/2 inch pieces of white computer paper (acid free).
I then started laying things down in a grid. Future posts will show the evolution of my definitely NOT Xmas LO.

Xmas Baking and Random Thoughts

The cheese puffs Cal makes are divine but have 70 calories a piece so are decadent! I love them.
Joe was here the other day and mixed my batter for fruit cakes. It was still a lot for me considering my numbness and weakness in my left arm and have had some increase in pain. Entirely worth it and Joe helped a lot so it's not as bad as it might have been. This photo is just after baking. Now wrapped and soaked with brandy and Grand Marnier. No dry tasteless fruitcake at our house! Full of currants and raisins and cherries and light on the citron and orange peel. Lots of good spices and sugar and all my little extras like chocolate!
Saw the folk from work on Tuesday at a colleague's retirement party and felt sad yesterday. I miss work. I do not miss the extra pain or having my arm hanging helplessly by my side at the end of the day. I do miss my patients and the good folk I worked with in Stockton.
I have a wonderful family and a lot of help at home so I can deal with my disability. Today I reflect on my blessings and my mood is much improved.
There is something wonderful about enjoying ones home and being able to rest when needed. I find a good night's sleep one of the best things in my life right now. My brother (14 months younger) died so suddenly a few weeks ago and it has made me aware once again of how fragile life can be, how rich each momentary pleasure. The beauty of a flower, the song of a bird, the warmth of the sun - all, too precious. I know now just how frenetic my life was before this set back and while I cannot think a sore and rather useless left arm is anything I'd wish for anyone else, it is a gift for me.
I am a bit anxious about the future; today, at least, I'm reminding myself to live in the moment and be happy.

Karen and Family and the Crocker Ball

Cal and Karen at home after the ball. i-phone photos from the ball itself. Very low light conditions but there were professional photographers there taking photos so we are looking forward to seeing those. Lovely art deco era theme. Greeted by red carpet lined with Santa clad young Rockette-like girls. Memorial auditorium is a delightful Byzantine Deco styled building and guys in trench coats and girls dressed in cigarette girl costumes dispensing candy not the deadlier epynonymous paraphernalia.

Loved the hors d'oevres. Mini Ruebens a fave. Champagne cocktails and Marilyn Monroes - yum!

Wonderful lounge decor and divine food and wine. The music was danceable but too loud at the end of the evening. One always hopes for a slightly more toned down atmosphere at the end of the affaire. We did leave before our coach turned into a pumpkin at midnight. Though Cal suggested I was wearing the pumpkin. I love orange and got a lot of compliments on that gown! My fellow Fiskateers would be proud. I decided the silver with rhinestone clutch was too prom matchy-matchy and went for a green silk bag.

The best part of the evening was spending time with family. A wonderful start to the holiday season!

Photos of event below.

All Tarted Up

Yes, Joe helped decorate the house. Only the Angel Barbies to set up. This year the 3 French Hens are again part of the decor.
Have everything ready for the ball, even had a good hight's sleep.

Cake

Yummy chocolate frosting. Layered butter cake with raspberry preserves between layers. Birthday cakes are wonderful treats. Trying to have only small slices. An hour of pilates today ought to help. Better get to Curves tomorrow!

Just a store bought mix cake and regular raspberry preserves though Cal used the entire jar! The frosting is the regular butter icing off the C&H box with Hershey's Cocoa.

Sixty!

Yes, it's the big birthday today. Photo of me was taken recently by Erin Miller of Sacramento, CA. She kindly minimized the wrinkles.

Tangerine tree is my perpetual BD gift from Cal. I love Satsumas and they ripen around today. He planted it by the deck so that I barely have to go outside to get one. Yum!

The lovely flowers are from Chris and Laurel - Thanks Kids!
It's a great day. I'm probably going to go out and get some raspberry filling and make chocolate frosting for the cake Cal baked me. Love raspberry and chocolate together!
We are thinking of going out to dinner. Not sure where yet.
I'm in a much better mood today than I have been. I always find the end of a decade a little sad but when I start the new one it feels great!