Found It!

The Before! Yikes!

Okay, so I can't even take down my Christmas decorations until my desk is cleaned. This is not a job for wimps!

I removed everything off the desk and filed it or threw it away. Next, I cleaned the glass top and wood hutch. Then I put things back. Looks so much better and I can find stuff!


The After! So much better and organized.

A New Year of self-improvement

After a Christmas filled with family, travel, parties, shopping and gift giving, I feel more than ready to roll up my sleeves and tackle what's really important in my everyday life. My messy desktop and cluttered kitchen counter tops; my money woes; my relationships; my spiritual life ... all need improving in small to larger ways.

As I sit here basking in the possibilities I try not to be overwhelmed. Instead, as with a new day dawning, I embrace all the opportunities and challenges, looking ahead with optimism, enthusiasm and renewed energy to embrace the future.

Now, if I could just find my desk top ...

Mandarin Tigers

My grandson, Gabe, played in a regional Pop Warner football championship game this morning in Orlando. Mary Jo, Joe, Allan and I traveled over there to see him play in this important game!
What an impressive team! Better than Florida State! I was so proud.

My daughter brought the baby along, Hope enjoyed Kristin's feather boa in the team's colors.

She sat in my lap the entire last quarter mugging for the camera and playing with a noise maker.

Posing with Poppy!

Although they lost by only 2 points, they played their hearts out! The coach peps them up at the end of the game. I hear they are planning a fantastic team party to celebrate going all the way!

The family that plays together, stays together! Good job , Lewis family. Wait' til next year!

Thanksgiving 2010

Eighteen family members and special guests celebrated Thanksgiving 2010 at Matt and Jessie
Cillian's home. Banquet tables were set up in the great room and beautifully decorated with golden tablecloths and napkins, flickering votive candles and mini flower arrangements. Soft classical music played in the background.


Chef Matt prepared the main dish – roasted turkey. So good! Honey baked ham was also on the menu. Everyone brought a dish – from salads to mashed potatoes, stuffing, sweet potatoes, homemade rolls. So many good things to choose from. Desserts also!


My sister, Mary Jo and her grandson, Joey. He loved seeing everyone after his nap!

Mom and my sister Lois. Mom is proud of her high school reunion tee shirt.

Our lovely hostess, Jessie, and her mom, Nancy. Jessie's two sisters and niece were also invited.



Joey ate like a champ and we all agreed it was a very delicious meal! Leftovers were divided up, family stories were told around the table, and my brother-in-law, Joe, even volunteered to do the dishes. Of course, we were using fancy paper plates.

Thank you Matt and Jessie for hosting a successful family event! We had a great time!

October 24

Even though it's October, there is still plenty of beach weather in Florida. October 24 is our wedding anniversary. And our favorite Florida place is the beach.

So we packed up our chairs and a yummy picnic supper and headed out to Pass-A-Grille Beach.
It was a warm but delightful evening.

I found some cool shells and we sat and toasted the sunset. And feasted on chicken and cold salads and chips and wine.



We topped it off with some gourmet red velvet cupcakes!

A perfect sunset!

Pops in the Park

One of our favorite annual St. Pete events occurred this past Saturday in Vinoy Park. The Florida Orchestra performs each fall along the waterfront downtown to thousands of picnicking families. Including us!

Allan was in charge of packing the basket and this year wine and cheese, Cuban sandwiches, fresh veggies, and chocolate chip cookies were gobbled up while listening to the beautiful music.

The concert always ends with Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture and, of course, FIREWORKS! Please pardon my camera – the batteries died just as the light show started! So no pictures of the fireworks.

This is by far the best free show in town! Plan on joining us next year!

Cheers!

A perfect moonlit night

The Florida Orchestra

Blessing the Animals

Monday, October 4th, is the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi. He is the patron saint of animals. The families of St. Raphael's were invited to bring their pets for a special blessing by Deacon Jim. We gathered earlier this evening by the school sports field for special readings, holy water blessings and prayers. Everyone had a good time.

McGee looking around at all the other dogs!


Mom brought Socks!


Deacon Jim meets McGee and Socks