Delirious Journeys

Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012

2011-12-31T23:59:00.000-08:00

Trying the beer

We ordered the ants...

Julia breaks the door!

Oops

Happy New Year!

The Bridge

2011-12-31T23:44:00.001-08:00

Magicians and Songs

Live Blogging NYE 2011

2011-12-31T19:09:00.001-08:00

Dinner at crowbar

Pumpkin Risotto

Brie Flat Bread

Pork Chop

Steak stack

Pumpkin Cake with sour cream sorbet

Christmas Gingerbread Man Pirate

2011-12-13T16:26:00.001-08:00

By Emily

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Puttin up the tree

2011-12-13T16:23:00.001-08:00

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SnowMan Odyssey

2011-12-02T23:19:00.000-08:00

Moo-erry Christmas

2011-12-02T08:46:00.000-08:00

Even though I'm in the midst of finals, I am still full of holiday cheer! I don't really have brain cells to commit to thinking of posts, so I just want to say - Enjoy the Christmas Season - spending time with people you love, singing along to as many carols as possible, shopping for special treasures for the people in your life, drinking hot cocoa on cold nights, and taking in all the twinkly lights and sparkly ornaments!

A few jokes... (answers below)
1. What is Santa's favorite sandwich?

2. What Christmas carol does swiss cheese like to sing?

3. And one just for Ludy - How do you decorate an outrigger canoe for Christmas?

I welcome any guest posts... just send it to me (with any pics) in an email. Okay, let the season begin!
Katie

Joke Answers
1: Peanut Butter and JOLLY
2: Deck the HOLES
3: With OAR-naments

Xmas Guest Post: Lucy Lanai

2011-11-28T09:47:00.000-08:00

Aloha all you Christmas Fanatics.... Here are some cozy, cuddly, Christmas cheer activity ideas to partake in...
1. Purchase and listen to Glee Xmas Album, Volume 2
2. Hang up stockings for yourself and others living with you and put little treats in every once in a while!
3. Watch Love Actually
4. Shop for Xmas online for your friends and family at etsy.com, they have some good stuff!
5. Give a big, loud "Ho, ho, ho!" with GUSTO every once in a while, just to make yourself laugh.

It's Coming...

2011-11-23T10:36:00.000-08:00

Delirious Journeys to Grad School

2011-10-23T08:31:00.000-07:00

First GRE Practice Test at the SF Main Library

Favorite GRE Vocab words:
Recalcitrant
Hackneyed

UCI Interview Weekend

All graduate students orientation, I somehow ended up hanging out with the Math people

Aloha

2011-06-06T09:23:00.000-07:00

Lucy and Chris rented some boards to go surf Waikiki while I walked along it....

Later we met up with Chris' cousin Rich and went on a sunset sail - it was beautiful!

The Beach Boys rowed right by us...

Dinner at Kona Brewery with the sampler... I had a lovely gingery flavored beer.

Next morning we hike Diamond Head and got some great views

Bird!

We had the best dinner ever at Side Street Inn and then had a Guiness at Murphys

On our last morning we waited in line for Leonards malasadas and ate them on the beach....... aaahhhh

The North Shore

2011-06-03T14:37:00.000-07:00

We headed to the North Shore for the weekend and had nice stay in Papaya Hale in Laie. We had cheese and wine and played ukuleles by the beach. The next morning we had a delicious breakfast at Hukilau cafe.

Loco Moco

Then we went on the awesomest tour ever - the Movie tour to see where Jurassic Park was filmed! We also got beautiful views of the valley and beaches and learned some Hawaiian history and culture.

the submarine from Lost

Clever girl...

Godzilla foot print

waterfalls

Laie Beach

Chris backed us into the water

Mai Tai's on the beach at Turtle Bay

We had a great time at Lucy's Race in Hale'iwa. She did a great job of steering!

Driving back we saw the pineapple fields, which I'm still confused about...

Oahu!

2011-06-02T16:10:00.000-07:00

Day Two, First Stop: Diamond Head Grill for the beeeeeeeeest scones ever- blueberry or banana and cream cheese scones.... yum! We also picked up picnic supplies so we could spend the day at....... Haunama Bay!

After waiting in line and watching a wierd video, we walked down to the bay and did some snorkeling, had lunch, and got some sun.

Next we went for a little roadtrip up the East coast (I think) and stopped at the Blow Hole along the beach. Oh and the beach where some movie was shot.

We couldn't go to Hawaii without getting Shave Ice so we stopped at the one in the back of a surf shop. It was good but mine was just toooooo sweet....

Went for a swim at another beach and headed back to Waikiki

The next day was rather stormy and rainy so we went to the Bishop Museum where we saw a lot of cool stuff about Hawaiin culture and geography. Also there was an exhibit on dinosaurs! and Chris rode down a lava tube!

Honolulu!

2011-06-01T18:32:00.000-07:00

First things first, lunch at Duke's on the beach and a mai tai...

Followed by a swim at Waikiki

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Happy Mother's Day!!!!

2011-05-08T12:38:00.000-07:00

Mom, Mama, Mommy! I love you so much!

I'm so lucky to have such a loving, thoughtful, beautiful, smart, and caring mother.

Our Mother's Day Celebration lunch in Palm Springs was fabulous!

Mmmm.... avocado and goat cheese!

You are amazing!

Chris, what do YOU want for dessert?

Can't wait to move home so we can do this ALL the time!

You AAARRRRRRRRRRRR the best!!!!

Bday Supwise!

2011-04-23T17:11:00.001-07:00

It unexpectedly starts with.... In-N-Out!

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Clouds

2011-04-17T00:07:00.000-07:00

Stow Lake 3.11

MOMA with Mama (& Dad) 3.11

A Room with a View 3.11

Alcatraz 3.11

Regatta 3.11

Moss Beach Distillery 3.11

Tide Pool Fog 3.11

Outside our Door 2.11

Limantour 2.11

GG Park 1.11

The Grapevine 1.11

I-5 Wierdness 1.11

Out the window at work 12.10

Christmas clouds 12.10

Pink! Catalina 12.10

The One 11.10

Big Sur 11.10

Pacific 11.10

Bay Bridge 8.10

Catalina 9.10

Stinson Beach 9.10

sky or water 9.10

Stinson Beach 9.10

around the corner 11.10

Our Honeymoon Beach 3.10

Maui 3.10

Above the Clouds 3.10

Maui 3.10

Volcano Cloud 3.10

From Above 3.10

Maui 3.10

rainbow 3.10

Wailea Sunset 3.10

Walking around the Sunset 3.10

SF Bay 2.10

Genentech Parking Lot & SF Bay 2.10

light fingers 11.09

Across the City 11.09

Pt. Reyes 11.09

Sanders Sisters Go to Catalina

2010-12-28T19:55:00.000-08:00

I think they were both sick as we headed over there, but we were lucky to make it onto the boat!

The beginning our our golf cart tour of Avalon

I forget what building this is...

How normal does Emily look?

Lucy was driving. Nuf said.

Amazing sunset!

Furry Christmas

2010-12-21T15:12:00.000-08:00

This posts dedicated to christmassy aminals (inspired by the first pic sent by Chris)

this ones probably my favorite - the cats are so cute and look at that amazing tree!

this cat looks so mad, and its not even wearing a hat and beard...

bunbun!

these guinea pigs need more holiday cheer!

makes me miss Sully

bunbun!

elven cat

had to include some pugs

Mark Wahlberg Talkin to Christmas Animals

A Very Shaquille Christmas

2010-12-21T14:43:00.000-08:00

From Chris

Xmas Photo Contest

2010-12-20T16:04:00.000-08:00

WINNER!!!!!
Matching Cutesy Sisters

City Hall Candy (Chris Elg)

Stow Lake Secret Santa (Katie Sanders) Happy Hannukah (Emily Sanders)

It's Holiday Party Tiiiiiime (Lucy Sanders)

Sweet, Em helped a friend get a Christmas Tree via Golf Cart.

That's How We Do It. (Emily Sanders)

I couldn't help it when I walked by the lobby of this huge building downtown and saw these giant golden pine cones... I wish there was a person or something for scale, because they really were fabulously large. Pine Cone's Lament (Katie Sanders)

Lucy has taken on the task of getting our yearly (or every-other-yearly) Christmas pajamas and I LOVE IT!!!!!

Pajama-rama Kalikimaka (Lucy Sanders)

The first submission for the Xmasies-tastic Photo Contest came from Chris, doesn't he look handsome in a santa hat? I guess they were taking a holiday pic at work and he squinched right in there. Feel free to send a title for your pic, or I'll make one up. Let the games begin!

Corporate Christmas (Chris Elg)

Interesting History of Christmas Snippet Video

2010-12-19T15:56:00.000-08:00

I like that humanity just wanted a reason to celebrate life and each other in the dark days of winter.

http://www.history.com/videos/history-of-christmas

Weird Christmas

2010-12-19T10:19:00.001-08:00

Whilst doing some shopping, I came across a few weird items (the first two are my photos), so I'm dedicating this post to strange and interesting christmassy items.

Task of the Day: Find something else xmassy weird and send me the link or pic AND/OR comment below on your favorite thing in this post.

Song of the Day: Santa Baby (what is an outer space convertible anyways?)

Mmm, Mince Pies! My favorite part is that they're "Exceedingly Merry"

Kinder Punsch

Wierd Old Gay Xmas Cartoon - a king takes two bums home?

(video from metacafe)

Santa's night cap

I wish I could think of a clever caption for this image - anyone?

Weird Christmas Trees

Swurvey Says...

2010-12-09T10:44:00.000-08:00

Xmas Survey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

****** NOTE TO ALL: For clarity sake, please note that when Chris says sister-in-law below he means EMILY SANDERS, repeat EMILY SANDERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!***************

Emily Tiare Mahia Sanders

1. What is your favorite Christmas beverage this year? (Hot Coco, Egg Nog, Gingerbread Latte, Hot Apple Cider, etc.)

Me too Katie. Coquito it is!!! I think we should make some for kwanakis. Me too Lucy. Our traditional Xmas eve baileys and coffee is also a favorite!!

2. What is one of your funniest Christmas memories?

Well since you just said ONE and you and Lucy already said some of them, I would say when Katie and I had a Muahahahahaha off in the kitchen before the Xmas eve party and then we pretty much lost our voices; that was funny.

3. Give an example of something you got from Xmas in the past that you still use/love/whatever today.

My two front teeth

4. What was your favorite song in the Xmas episode of Glee last week? (If you don't watch Glee, shame on you!)

Shame on me! In my defense I don't have a TV or Internet (just me iPhone)

5. Describe any fun holiday parties you've been to in the past or are going to this year.

Uhhhhhhhh mmmmmmmmmm KWANAKIS !!!!!!!! Lucy does a mean version of umbrella!!!:)
PS It's the Wednesday after Xmas everybody

6. Favorite Christmas Movies?

Ya, White Christmas!

7. Favorite Character from a Christmas movie?

Since White Christmas is the only movie I can think of it would have to be that meddling housekeeper! Darn if she didn't get them together in the end!

8. Thoughts on tinsel...

Pretty to look at...not so fun to pick up

9. Have you ever strung popcorn?

When I was about 5 or 6 or something...maybe 8 and even then I got bored after a couple of minutes

10. Have you baked/cooked any holiday-related items such as cookies, cakes, etc?

No, But my oven finally works and I baked a frozen Mac and cheese...it was goooooood!

LucyAnne Michele Sanders

1. What is your favorite Christmas beverage this year? (Hot Coco, Egg Nog, Gingerbread Latte, Hot Apple Cider, etc.)

Mine would have to be pumpkin spice SOY latte from starby’s. I know it’s a carryover from Thanksgiving drinks, but the spices make in xmas-y!!!! Also, I always love gingerbread soy lattes, champagne, and our annual xmas eve coffee with Bailey’s.

2. What is one of your funniest Christmas memories?

Watching Katie and Emily crack up when trying to sing songs on Xmas Eve, watching Gramps and Uncle Hal play the piano on Xmas Eve, watching any of the new EBF kids dance on Xmas Eve, being shocked when Katie and Chris did a “Let it Snow” Duet for a supriiiiise Xmas Eve performance!!!!!!

3. Give an example of something you got from Xmas in the past that you still use/love/whatever today.

Babar from Santa (Aunt Vivian)! I think it was Xmas Eve when I was 8 years old.

4. What was your favorie song in the Xmas episode of Glee last week? (If you don't watch Glee, shame on you!)

Hmmmmm..... I thoroughly enjoyed the song from How the Grinch Stole Christmas that they sang to the teachers.

5. Describe any fun holiday parties you've been to in the past or are going to this year.

At my work party this year we played a funny game where you can steal presents from each other. Ryan made a great move by stealing the Bailey’s from my principal, but then someone else stole it from him!!! Arg! He still ended up with an awesome Xmasy starby’s straw plastic cup thing ( I stole it from him soon as we got home).
Also - the never to be forgotten UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER KEG PARTY thrown by two of the siiiillliiesssst gals in town.
Finally, I think the xmas party I have for my students is going to be pretty freakin’ awesome. Stockings will be stuffed, cookies will be decorated, hot cocoa to drink....
Also - my kids becoming an orchestra and their Christmas Show and performing the Christmas Canon - it wasn’t a party - but it was a great xmas moment that brought happy tears to my eyes!

6. Favorite Christmas Movies?

It’s a Wonderful Life, Love Actually, anything from childhood like Charlie Brown stuff.

7. Favorite Character from a Christmas movie?

The little boy in love actually - my favorite thing ever is watching movies where people take a huge risk for love.

8. Thoughts on tinsel...

As long as its not glitter in my classroom, I’m fine with sparkly Christmas decorations

9. Have you ever strung popcorn?

No - do people still do that?

10. Have you baked/cooked any holiday-related items such as cookies, cakes, etc?

I baked my annual oatmeal banana chocolate chip cookies!!!!! Not very xmasy, but good.
I got a great idea from my awesome friend and co-teacher Tiff: put a hershey’s kiss on top of a pretzel, melt it a little, then press a green or red m&m into the top. Salt+sweet= yuummmmmyyyyyy.

Christopher Edward Elg
Ok here goes nothing;
1. I loved the coquito, but I also love pepermint mochas
2. When my brother ordered a surf board for my dad for christmas.
about a week before Christmas the shaper called, and my dad answered
and thought my brother had orderd the board for himself. My dad got
mad and grounded my brother for it, and my brother didn't tell him the
truth because he didn't want to ruin the surprise. So surprised my
dad was on Christmas morning when he got the surfboard, and felt bad
for being mad at his son. the end.
3.I love my flanel that my sister-inlaw got me last year and wear it
all the time. Thanks!
4. I liked the grinch song, because they acted it out just like the
movie. Awesome!
5. one year we had a fwancy party for my work at the top of the St.
Francis hotel. Good food and lovely view.
6. I always say Christmas Vacation, but I also really like Scrooged
and I think Katie has never seen it. For shame!
7. Bill Murry from Scrooged, or just the character of scrooge is awesome.
8. Tinsel shimel! No just kidding, I like it.
9. Yes, but it was not I fun as it looks.
10. No, but I did eat some left over cookies from a meeting at my
hotel. Gingerbready, uuummmmmm.

Kathleen Judith Sanders
1. What is your favorite Christmas beverage this year? (Hot Coco, Egg Nog, Gingerbread Latte, Hot Apple Cider, etc.)

Mines got to be Coquito (sp?), which is "Puerto Rican Egg Nog" that Syndia brought to our Thanksgiving get together. It's rich and creamy and tastes like coconutty tropical christmas

2. What is one of your funniest Christmas memories?

Cracking up laughing every year on Xmas Eve trying to sing "Today" with Emily, the whole family sitting around enjoying "Jer's Balls" Chocolates

3. Give an example of something you got from Xmas in the past that you still use/love/whatever today.

I use my Harvard ice water cup all the time. I still wear lotsa cute xmas pressy clothes. I think I got bunbun for Xmas when I was little.

4. What was your favorite song in the Xmas episode of Glee last week? (If you don't watch Glee, shame on you!)

Kurt and the new guys version of "Baby It's Cold" was no me and Chris, but it was sooooo sweet

5. Describe any fun holiday parties you've been to in the past or are going to this year.

It's hard to beat last years huge Xmas party with endless food, dance floors, and awesome views. Oh, and hearing the Gin Blossoms Live was cool too.

6. Favorite Christmas Movies?

I know we talk about this every year, but I love White Christmas and Love Actually so much! And Elf.

7. Favorite Character from a Christmas movie?

Maybe Billy Mack from Love Actually. "I feel it in my fingers, I feel it in my toes, Christmas is all around me, and so the feeling grows..." and when he gives that speech about how he loves his manager and wouldn't spend Christmas with anyone else, it gets me every time :)

8. Thoughts on tinsel...

I think there's not enough of it... its so sparkly.

9. Have you ever strung popcorn?

I don't think so, maybe we should try it this year!

10. Have you baked/cooked any holiday-related items such as cookies, cakes, etc?

No, I'm the worst baker, but maybe I'll think of something... with pomegranate in it. And I make the Xmas Eve soup. Mmmm....

Answer the questions and send it to me for me to post. Feel free to send in more questions for a second Xmas survey.

Now, go look at some Christmas Lights! And keep the photos coming!!

Whistle While You Work

2010-12-03T08:49:00.000-08:00

It's only 8:51 am and its already been an incredibly yulish day. I was given the Christmas Blend at Starbucks, which is delicious. Yesterday Ann and I put up a 4.5 ft pre-lit tree in our cube. Many have already commented on its beauty. I also put a string of colorful lights around my desk, which hopefully isnt overboard, although I think it adds some cheer to a bland room. Oh yah, and when I came in this morning, there were ornaments on the tree, from a South City elf maybe?

Then, one of my coworkers came back from a month long trip to China and not only brought me some awesome chinese candy (FuLing Cake and Beijing Special Product, yes!) but then she pulled out an awesome Santa/Candy Cane pen and my head almost exploded!

As my Xmas iphone app shows, its only 22 days til Xmas, so cherish these days people. Har har, okay.

Christmas Song of the Day: Jingle Bell Rock

Christmas Task of the Day: Think of a question for the forthcoming Xmas Quiz and email it to me.

It's Here!!!!! The Christmasiest Christmas Blog!

2010-12-01T08:08:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2009
Em, Lu, Oliver (the newest member of the EBF), Josh and me

Its official! December 1st means we can start celebrating Christmas! After reviewing last years Christmas Blog I am filled with cheer and a lil intimidated because it was soooooo good!!! I don't even know where to start.... everyone can feel free to email me any ideas or suggestions at fugowie444 at gmail dot com.

Today I had my first chocolate from the advent calendar my amazing hubby surprised me with - it was a squirrel!

Christmas Around the World

San Francisco

China

Santiago, Chile

India

Near Nice, France
Hamburg, Germany

Phillipines

Berlin

Tokyo

Columbia

Ireland
Paris

Yokohama, Japan

One last thing, today is the official first day of the Xmas Photo Contest, so start snappin away!

I love it here

2010-10-10T12:37:00.000-07:00

On our whirlwind Palm Springs weekend, we shopped at the Outlets, relaxed, swam, read books and mags, chilled out, went out to Thai food, danced at Las Casuelas, where the band sang Happy Birthday to Emily, danced at The Village Pubhouse, and then more relaxing.

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26 miles across the Sea...

2010-09-05T14:03:00.000-07:00

This is how many people wanted to come help Em set up her classroom and apartment and settle her into her new town, Avalon. We had a lot of fun, especially when we went for $1 tacos and beer at the Sand Trap.

Avalon is such a beautiful town

Em and I had an amazing fwancy dinner at the Avalon Grill - we surfed and turfed!!! Below is the yummy desert ice cream bar things we shared.

Yar!

Chris and I returned later in the week and we walked all around town and up to the top of the hill and had great views.

Emily and I went snorkeling at Lover's Cove and saw lotsa fish and a little octopus!

Catalina!!!!!!

2010-09-04T10:51:00.001-07:00

I love ferries

The Commodores Lounge

Cousins!!!!!!!!!

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Happy Happy Birthday Baby

2010-08-24T15:17:00.001-07:00

LOVE

YOU

MUCH

AND

HOPE

YOU

HAVE

MARVELOUS

BIRTHDAY

LOVE,

KATIE

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Anniversa-rary.....

2010-08-15T22:18:00.000-07:00

For our one year anniversary we went out East, to Gold Country, the foothills of the Sierras, to Pioneer. Still don't know where I'm talking about? Me either. On our way there we stopped for dinner in Lodi, and had pretty good mexican food thanks to yelp.

We got there at night, so when we woke up we didnt know what to expect, and it was beautiful forest all around us.

We went in to Sutter's Creek for breakfast, and wandered around a few of the little towns.

We went wine tasting at beautiful wineries

Where's Waldo?

That evening we took a picnic and wine to an outdoor ampitheater and saw the community theater's play, Servant of Two Masters.

The next day...

We had delicious sandwiches in Amador City

then walked across the street to the Gold Rush Museum and saw pictures and read stories about how people traveled here and how they lived back before California was a state...

the best was the Rules for Teachers from 1915

Close up... my favorite is "You may not loiter downtown in ice cream stores"

For our special night, we had a fabulous dinner at Taste in Plymouth - buratta, mushroom cigars, filet mignon with mushrooms, rack of lamb, and a trio of chocolaty desserts... all with a yummy bottle of Primitivo

then danced a lil in a gazebo across the street

For breakfast our last morning we had tomato toast and coffee out on the deck. perfect.

It was so beautiful out there, it was hard to leave...

A Day in the Life

2010-07-10T17:10:00.001-07:00

Slept in finally

Dim sum for 2

A drive around town

Presidio

A walk along the wharf, around the ball park, listening to Paul McCartneys sound check

Hectic dinner shopping

Important Directions

Fajitas

Art Gallery opening in the tenderloin

Fog City Hall

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New York

2010-05-30T08:02:00.001-07:00

Saturday

Arrive by Bolt Bus to Penn Station around 8:00pm

Headed to Brooklyn to drop off our stuff

Took the subway to the East Village and had Hummus Place for dinner

Watched the Lakers game at Standards Sports Bar

Sunday

Coffee, quiche, and croissant at Clover Cafe and Art Gallery

Walked around Brooklyn to Grimaldis under the Brooklyn Bridge, waited in crazy line for the best pizza ever! Sardines Pepperoni and veggie :)

Peter Luger's for an amazing dinner - tomatoes, onion, steak sauce, bacon, shrimp, steak, creamed spinach, potatoes, wine, ice cream sunday, woah!

Got a drink at a speakeasy bar, the Lower East Side Toy Company, where you get your drink in a teacup.

It wouldn't be a trip to New York without a stop at McSwirleys! Then karaoke at Sing Sing on St. Marks

Monday

Slept in, Brunch at Char No 4 in Brooklyn

Had a lazy day, saw Em off to the airport, watched some of Nanny McPhee

Took the subway up to Binky's house and saw Sully!!! Had some wine and cheese

Dinner at Otto

Karaoke in West Village at Karaoke Boho

Mamouns!

Tuesday

Shake Shack for lunch!

Walked over to the VA for a visit

Got bagels from Ess-a-bagel (it was delicious 2 days and 3000 miles later)

Walked to Union Square, wandered around

Pedicures!

Met Ying for dinner at Hane

Cabbed over to Vol de nuit for a beer with Kate - went and saw the old apartment and Sophie

Wednesday

Lunch at Pearls with Julia

Wandered around West Village

Headed back home

Lucy's Graduation from Harvard!!!

2010-05-29T15:57:00.001-07:00

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It's Birthday Tiiiiiiiiiiime

2010-04-30T09:01:00.001-07:00

Breakfast at Brendas French Soul Food- I got shrimp and grits!

After breaky, a quick drive through the Presidio and a walk around George Lucas's ILM Studios to see the Yoda Fountain

Atop your head I sit

The Inventor of Television

Em's Amazing Wardrobe - on MUNI on the way to Anchor Steam Brewery tour and tasting!

Anchor Brewing Co

Anchor Steam Beer, since 1896

Foley's Pub!

Hanna Winery

<3 goats <3 at Harley Farms

Lunch at Pescadero Country Store

Aresome Bday Weekend

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Crazy Day

2010-04-26T10:46:00.001-07:00

The following 2 photos found on njudahchronicles.com flicker site.

The funniest thing ever

2010-03-27T14:34:00.000-07:00

Lucy, the cow whisperer

Maui Wednesday

2010-03-09T19:26:00.000-08:00

Airport --> Mama's Fish House

First thing first, a Mai Tai for me, and a Relaxer for Chris at our beachfront table

For an appetizer we shared macadamia nut crab cakes

Mmm... probably the best meal we had in Hawaii - I got panko crusted gingery seared ahi with kalua pig fried rice and kim chee... caught by the fishing vessel "Pacific Reflection". Chris had Uku in a buttery white wine sauce with lemongrass rice pilaf and carrots - caught by Kelly Becker near Molokai

The Beach in Front of Mama's - you can tell we just got to Hawaii cuz I'm wearing a sweater

Thanks Family! A chilled bottle of champagne was waiting for us in our room when we arrived!

Yum! Champagne on our balcony

Our first Maui sunset

Maui Thursday

2010-03-09T19:00:00.000-08:00

Our first full day in Maui started with a beautiful drive along the coast to West Maui - through Wailea, Kihei, Lahaina, Ka'anapali, and Napili... I think we like to get the lay of the land. We were looking for a snorkeling spot from our guide book. Of course there was no sign, so after driving back and forth a few times, we parked and walked through lush forest - full of chickens (?) - to Honolua Bay. It was a lil scary getting into the water - it was overcast, rocky, and there were only a few other people around. Once we got into the water and started swimming around it was beautiful - colorful fish galore! After we drove up to a lookout point and bought a papaya.

We headed to Aloha Mixed Plate for some Hawaiian fare - kalua pig, poi, maui sweet onion rings and local beer. Of course this place was right on the water and we set out on the deck. We checked Lahaina out a little bit - the banyan tree square, and drove down the main shopping road - but decided to head back and stop at another snorkeling spot - Olowalu.

and we saw a giant goat cross the street

We spent the afternoon relaxing on our beach (right in front of the hotel) with some sparrows

We headed to Wailea to walk along the beach path and watch the sunset. We spotted a group of whales that were breaching over and over again and of course we had the binoculars, so it was quite a show. We also saw a lot of the swanky hotels and started looking for a place to get a drink.

We ended up at the restaurant at the Grand Wailea - Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa -they had a lot of enticing cocktails, but we couldnt resist ordering a giant rummy drink for two - it came in a huge wine glass thing, and other people at the bar congratulated us for getting it :)

We weren't that hungry, so we order the pupu platter - a taste of four of their desserts and it was amazing. The best were the ribs, but there was also a scallop on a taro cake, tiger shrimp, and a lemongrass ahi tuna stick thing. Mmmm...

Maui Friday

2010-03-09T18:30:00.000-08:00

We spent the morning on "our beach" in front of our hotel, snorkeling, relaxing, aahhhhhh

For lunch we went to this Aunt-Lu-recommended taco truck and had delicious shrimp tacos. We kept driving into the Ahihi Kinau Natural Reserve and - you guessed it - snorkeled!

This is near an amazing snorkeling spot where we saw an eel - and he saw us! He came out of his hole and was glaring at us! I swear! Then he slithered off...
Lava Flow of 1790
Next, we walked along Big Beach - the water and sand were so vibrant...

A glass of wine as we got ready for the....

LUAU! Wow, as soon as we walked in we got beautiful lei's and a mai tai! Awesome! Right on the water, a band playing, everyone so relaxed and joyous....

Kalua pig demonstration thing. They cook the pig underground.

Amazing buffet with a gazillion different things- salmon bruschetta, purple yams, steak, fish, poi, etc...

Saturday in Maui

2010-03-09T18:15:00.000-08:00

Today was jam packed. It started at 5:45 when we woke up to go on a catamaran - the Kai Kanani- out to Molokini Crater to snorkel. Amazing! We stopped at Turtle town and saw some Sea Turtles and more fish... Ooh!
there's our hotel on the beach

Molokini at Dawn

Here's our hotels lobby

Ho'okipa Beach on the North side of Maui

Next we headed up to Haleakala, stopping at Ho'okipa Beach to check the waves. As we wound up the volcano we went through a lot of different environments and ascended 10,000 feet in about an hour- into the clouds. We couldn't see very far when we got to the summit but it was neat and very lunar looking. On our way up we realized we didn't have much gas, so we were a bit alarmed when the gas light came on when we started the car to leave. Like a pro, Chris coasted us down the volcano- 50ish miles to the nearest gas station.

Silver Sword plant

Haleakala

Next stop - Ulupakalua Ranch General Store for some burgers from a local meat company. Delicious! Chris got elk, which wasn't as good as my beef burger. Across the street was Mauis only winery where we tasted and bought some wine- pineapply!

Weird mailbox on the way to Goat Farm

We were pretty tired at this point but decided to stop anyway at the Surfing Goat Dairy- the best thing ever- we toured the dairy, got to milk a goat, feed baby goats, and taste the best goat cheese I've ever had! I love goats!
Chris is such a goat milker!

the "business end"

rectangular eyes

My birthdays comin up - I want a baby goat!

there was also this pig thing walking around...

When we got back Chris was really tired, so while he rested I went to the beach to watch the beautiful sunset and whales and go for a swim.

Humpback whale fins and blowholes through my binoculars.

Oohhh

Aahhhh

Glorg!

We had quite a spread that evening - 2 kinds of goat cheese - Ole (jalapeno, cilantro and lime) and Maui's Secret (sicilian spices), maui potato chips, salami, crackers, and delicious red wine. What a day!

Maui Sunday

2010-03-09T18:00:00.000-08:00

After a busy Saturday, we used our last full day for some R&R. We spent the whole day lazing around on our beach and snorkeling and whale watching. Aaaahhhh...

This is the view from the front door of our hotel room, so pretty!

For dinner, we splurged at Nicks Fish Market at the Fairmont Orchid - an exquisite hotel. We watched the sunset, then had a delicious meal with a bottle of Rombauer Chardonnay.Kabocha Squash Soup

Their signature dish

A perfect night.

Maui Monday

2010-03-09T17:30:00.000-08:00

A rainbow greeted us on our last day

Bye Maui, we love you!

Back to life, back to reality

2010-03-09T10:42:00.001-08:00

After the perfect honeymoon in Maui, we're back in California...

It may be colder, but it's home.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Farewell Maui

2010-03-08T15:22:00.001-08:00

Molokai from the plane window

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Another tough day in Maui...

2010-03-05T13:28:00.001-08:00

Today's Agenda:
1. Snorkel
2. Sit on beach
3. Kayak- maybe, maybe not

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Maui

2010-03-04T17:11:00.001-08:00

First things first- a Mai Tai at Mamas!

We've only been here about 24 hours and already seen tons of birds, deer (?), lotsa colorful fish, humpback whales, cows, stray cats, egrets, and wierd mongoose thing. Maui is beautiful.
Today we drove about an hour to Honolua Bay. After a 10 min walk through tropical forest (are we on the set of Lost?) we got to a rocky bay and swam out to snorkel around the reefs. We saw a giant tuna and a long and skinny cigarry fish- I think an A'ha Needlefish. So many colorful fish... A lot of them reminded me of fish we had in our tank growing up.
After snorkeling- as I'm typing this we just drove past a huge goat thing-

... Anyways we went to sample the Hawaiian fare at Aloha Mixed Plate- yum. Except poi. Ooh and we saw a few whales playing in the water. Then we drove through Lahaina- coulda been Huntington Beach or Sausalito and headed to another snorkeling spot- miles of reef along the shore- Olowalu. Now we're headed back to our hotel to go to the beach and snorkel some more!
Makena Beach Resort

View from our balcony- partial ocean view :)

The beach right in front of our hotel

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Cat poo Coffee!

2010-02-15T11:37:00.001-08:00

Kopi Luwak, Civet coffee, cat poo coffee... considered the most expensive coffee in the world! It passes through the digestive system of a cat- raccon - like animal called a civet, and then is collected, washed, dried, roasted and brewed. It comes from Indonesia, Phillipines, or East Timor. Chris Burns asked for some for Christmas, not thinking anyone would actually get him some, but surprise! He got enough to make one french press pot, and invited Chris and me over to share. It was delicious.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Sisters in SF

2010-01-09T14:01:00.000-08:00

Twas a nice day for a surrey through the Park, followed by a spot of tea

The best part was jamming to tunes off my iPhone

A beautiful SF sunset

Darts at Shammys

Wine Country - Dry Creek Road
We visited Ridge, Amista, and Dutcher Crossing.

Photo Contest Winner and Submissions

2009-12-25T09:48:00.000-08:00

WINNER:
A warm, delicious Christamssy goodness (Lucy Sanders)

It says it all, Christmas cheer, jewelry, and beverage. Congrats Lucy!!

Xmas Eve 2008 (Emily Sanders)

The Lucy Sanders Mini Santa Hat Collection
(Lucy, Courtney, Ryan, Eva, Tim)

Macys Christmas Cat (Chris Elg)

Macys Window (Chris Elg)

Ugly Christmas Sweater Party (Virginia Sayer)

Sully and Binky in the Snow! (Virginia Sayer)

After a light snow in Cambridge (Lucy Sanders)

San Francisco's Union Square from above (Chris Elg)

Harvard Square

Christmas at the Mall (San Francisco, Katie Sanders)

After careful consideration I have decided to extend the Photo Contest until Xmas Eve so keep em coming and I'll post them and then pick winners and give prizes!

Three days doo dah

2009-12-22T21:19:00.000-08:00

City of Lights - Petaluma, Ca

Proof that there are people more Christmas Krazy than me

tongue ring and bun bun Santa

In the future, I will have this sign

I love lights and music, this is lights PLUS music!!!

F-O-U-R D-A-Y-S Fa la la la la, la la la la!

2009-12-21T08:46:00.001-08:00

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

5 DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-12-20T10:51:00.000-08:00

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!
Christmas Song of the Day: Oh Tannenbaum

Christmas Task of the Day: Don't stress out about getting gifts for everyone

Swurvey Sways...

2009-12-17T14:15:00.000-08:00

EMILY!!!!!!!!!!!!

1. Favorite Reindeer:BLITZEN!!! (stuff and stuff and stuff and stuff-something something)

2. Favorite Gift from Twelve Days of Christmas: FIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIVE GOOOOOOOOOOLDEN RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINGS!!

3. Colorful or White Lights? YES!

4. Favorite Sweet Holiday Treat: My sweet treat is two weeks off of work!!!!! YYAAAAAHHHOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

5. Favorite Christmas Movie: White Christmas

6. Red or Green? Green

7. Favorite Christmas Song: It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year (that is the one that has been playing over and over and over in my head all day so I can’t even think of any other songsJ and then I think of that back-to-school staples commercial where they play that song as parents are joyfully skipping down the aisles throwing school supplies in the basket and the kids are sad and then I laugh and laugh and then I write the longest run on sentence about it)

8. Favorite Christmas Villain (Grinch, Ebenezer Scrooge, etc.): The Abominable Snowman is a Christmas villain? The burglars from home alone

9. Snowman or Snow Angel? Sand Angel

10. Favorite Christmassy Beverage: Christmassy….probable some yummy winter latte at coffee bean and tea leaf…but really bailey’s and coffee!

11. Favorite Winter Sports (skiing, sledding, hockey, etc.): Hiking up a snow covered volcano!!!

12. A favorite Christmas memory: Pinjo’s first Christmas, getting my star studio (O.G. karaoke tape deck for all you youngins), singing/laughing/cracking up with sisters at x-mas eve, Katie getting soooooooooooo excited about the holiday, Wibby and Wibby dancing to Joyce’s Lady of Spain,Lucy’s poem last year, DEFINETLY G-Pa and Hal at the piano, the whole tradition of it all, oh and Lucy winking at Bernice!

Binky

Favorite Reindeer: Rudolph of course. I like Comet too.
Favorite Gift from Twelve Days of Christmas: Seven Swans a Swimmin!
Colorful or White Lights? White lights - Lucy and I put up a million of them outside my mom's house and now they are covered in snow!
Favorite Sweet Holiday Treat: hot chocolate with little baby marshmallows! or treacle pudding for the british people
Favorite Christmas Movie: Miracle on 34th Street; Love Actually; Muppets Christmas Carol!!!
Red or Green? Red!
Favorite Christmas Song: ALL of them - how can you even choose!? o holy night; chestnuts roasting on an open fire; little drummer boy; the list goes on!
Favorite Christmas Villain (Grinch, Ebenezer Scrooge, etc.): Scrooge in the muppets christmas carol!
Snowman or Snow Angel? snowMAN! I think I witnessed Lucy make her first of both, so I am attached to both!
Favorite Christmassy Beverage: hot chocolate again!
Favorite Winter Sports (skiing, sledding, hockey, etc.): SLEDDING, but in the UK we grew up as kids calling it "sledging" which is much more fun.
A favorite Christmas memory: getting a pony for christmas!

Courtney

Favorite Reindeer: Dancer, because I'm a dancer!!!
Favorite Gift from Twelve Days of Christmas: Fivvvveee gooooold ringgggs
Colorful or White Lights? white, it makes the ornaments pop out on the tree
Favorite Sweet Holiday Treat: ginger bread cookies!!!
Favorite Christmas Movie: A Christmas Story because of the fancy leg lamp
Red or Green? Red
Favorite Christmas Song: Chestnuts roasting on a open fireeee......
Favorite Christmas Villain (Grinch, Ebenezer Scrooge, etc.): The Abominable Snowman!!!!
Snowman or Snow Angel? I've never built a snowman or a snow angel, but I can imagine the snowman being super fun!
Favorite Christmassy Beverage: mulled hot cider
Favorite Winter Sports (skiing, sledding, hockey, etc.): definitely skiing
A favorite Christmas memory: When all of the kids in the family (including me) get matching pajamas and slippers to wear Christmas eve and we all put them on and go look for Santa and do the traditional Christmas dance!!!

Lucy

Favorite Reindeer: Comet - he's always overlooked for his boring cleaning supply name
Favorite Gift from Twelve Days of Christmas: 12 drummers drumming! I love drums - and I'm awesome at them
Colorful or White Lights? White lights - classic
Favorite Sweet Holiday Treat: jerrrr's ballllz!!!!!!!!
Favorite Christmas Movie: Love Actually, the weird claymation frosty the snowman one too, miracle on 34th street
Red or Green? Red!
Favorite Christmas Song: All I want for Christmas is Youuuuuu
Favorite Christmas Villain (Grinch, Ebenezer Scrooge, etc.):Grinch! his heart swells to 3times its size!!!
Snowman or Snow Angel? Snow man! way more fun to make
Favorite Christmassy Beverage: pumpkin egg nog (with rum?)
Favorite Winter Sports (skiing, sledding, hockey, etc.):bobsledding! Feel the rhythm, feel the rhyme, get on up, it's bobsled time!!!!!!!!!!!
A favorite Christmas memory: One of my favorite Christmas memories is the time I asked for an electric race track and I got it and set it up and played with it all day. Also the time we all got ipods. Also every year dancing to lady of Spain. Also winking at Bernice.

Chris

Favorite Reindeer: Comet

Favorite Gift from Twelve Days of Christmas: Ten pipers piping

Colorful or White Lights? Color

Favorite Sweet Holiday Treat: Fudge

Favorite Christmas Movie: Christmas Vacation

Red or Green? Green

Favorite Christmas Song: The Christmas Song

Favorite Christmas Villain (Grinch, Ebenezer Scrooge, etc.): The Abomidable Snowman

Snowman or Snow Angel? Snowwwman Grrrr!

Favorite Christmassy Beverage: Egg Nog (with Brandy)

Favorite Winter Sports (skiing, sledding, hockey, etc.): Skiing

A favorite Christmas memory: I remember when I was 8,getting domino rally and setting it up all over the house and playing with it all day and loving it. I don't know if it is my favorite memory but it was great.

Katie

Favorite Reindeer: Donner, Blitzen and Rudolph

Favorite Gift from Twelve Days of Christmas: A Partridge in a Pear Tree

Colorful or White Lights? Color, the more the merrier

Favorite Sweet Holiday Treat: Peppermint Bark Stuff

Favorite Christmas Movie: The Last Holiday, White Christmas, and Love Actually

Red or Green? BOTH

Favorite Christmas Song: Silent Night and All I Want for Christmas Is You and anything by Straight No Chaser

Favorite Christmas Villain (Grinch, Ebenezer Scrooge, etc.): You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch...

Snowman or Snow Angel? Snowman! I made the awesomest one in Idaho, it was a tiny lil cute one.

Favorite Christmassy Beverage: Egg Nog (with a lil somethin, somethin?)

Favorite Winter Sports (skiing, sledding, hockey, etc.): Skiing the bunny slopes

A favorite Christmas memory: All of us sleeping in the same room, trying to get Dad to wake up so we could run in to the living room, getting tangerines in our stockings, decorating the tree, Grampa and Uncle Hal playing their awesome song on the piano, wearing (matching!) pajamas ALL DAY, potato leek soup, when Dad got a toilet for Mom :) Future favorite Memory: Celebrating my favorite holiday with my husband! Oh my god, I have a husband.

NINE FINE DAYS.

2009-12-15T13:33:00.000-08:00

HOLIDAY GOODIES

Peppermint Bark

Ginger Bread People (not the gumdrop button!)

Fruitcake

Christmas Cookies

Coconut Cake (looks like a pile of snow)

Task of the Day: Try a new holiday goodie in the next couple days and report back! What'd you get? From where? How was it? Would you recommend it?

Song of the Day: The Christmas Can-Can

YOU CAN COUNT IT ON TWO HANDS! 10 DAYS TIL CHRISTMAS!

2009-12-14T22:38:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday Chris and I went to my companys Holiday Party - it was amazing! There was a room for every decade since the 70s with a band or DJ, buffet tables, and bars. You could also go to the Casino Room and play Roulette, craps, or poker OR take the elevator up to the top and get an awesome view of SF... wow. While we were in the 90s room the Gin Blossoms rocked out, we had cocktails with a view, ate some lobster pizza, and we ended the night dancing in the 80s room. Afterwards we walked over to Union Square to look at the tree in the rain - a great night.

Email me about an awesome holiday party you've been to.

Christmas Song of the Day: Jingle Bell Rock

O Chwismas Tree, O Chwismas Tree!

11 DAYS TIL XMAS?!!?!?!!?!?

2009-12-14T12:05:00.001-08:00

Wow, I can't believe there are only 11 days until the main event!

Song of the Day: Silver Bells (Bilver Sells)

Christmas Task of the Day: Think of one (or more) good, fun, exciting, yummy, etc. Christmas Task of the Day and email ideas to me :)

How do you say Merry Christmas?
(for a giggle, say these out loud as you read)

Glaedelig Jul – Danish

Vrolijike Kerst – Dutch

Hyvvaa Joulua – Finnish

Frohe Weihnachten – German

Kala Christouyenna – Greek

Gledileg Jol – Icelandic

Buon Natale – Italian

God Jul – Norwegian

Feliz Natal – Portuguese

Heri za Krismas – Swahili

God Jul – Swedish

Iyi Noeller – Turkish

And the ever popular “Merry Christmas”

Interesting Xmas Trivia

Why are there Twelve Days of Christmas?
Traditionally, it took the ‘Three Kings’ this number of days to find the baby Jesus. Their arrival on the twelfth day was celebrated in the form of the Feast of Epiphany in medieval France, and later in other countries.

Where did the Candy Cane come from?
In a small Indiana town, there was a candymaker who wanted to spread the name of Jesus around the world. He invented the Christmas Candy Cane, incorporating symbols for the birth, ministry, and death of Jesus Christ. He began with a stick of pure white, hard candy to symbolize the Virgin Birth. The candymaker formed the stick into a “J” to represent the name of Jesus. It can also represent the staff of the “Good Shepherd.” He thought the candy was too plain so he stained it with a red stripe to symbolize the blood shed by Christ on the cross.

“Jingle Bells” was originally written for a Thanksgiving celebration, in 1857.

Percentage of pet owners who have their dog or cat pose and photographed with Santa Claus
27 % (I can picture Sully on Santas knee)

In Greek legend, malicious creatures called Kallikantzaroi sometimes play troublesome pranks at Christmas time. In order to get rid of them, salt or an old shoe is burnt. The pungent burning stench drives off, or at least helps discourage, the Kallikantzaroi. Other techniques include hanging a pig’s jawbone by the door and keeping a large fire so they can’t sneak down the chimney.

The first president to decorate the white house Christmas tree in the United States was Franklin Pierce.

In the US, there is a common misconception that the poinsettia is highly toxi. This is not ture, it is mildly irritating to the skin or stomach. (Yah, my friend told me it was poison and I was like huh? really? and they were like its red! but its NOT poison)

Christmas Quiz
http://www.christmastrivia.net/quizes/easy-christmas-trivia
What'd you get?

I got 100% (although I wish there was a reindeer named Roger)

On the Twelfth Day Til Christmas...

2009-12-13T15:20:00.000-08:00

Christmas Song of the Day: We Three Kings

Christmas Task of the Day: Fill out the following Christmas Survey and email it back to me. As much or little detail/explanation as you want.

Favorite Reindeer:
Favorite Gift from Twelve Days of Christmas:
Colorful or White Lights?
Favorite Sweet Holiday Treat:
Favorite Christmas Movie:
Red or Green?
Favorite Christmas Song:
Favorite Christmas Villain (Grinch, Ebenezer Scrooge, etc.):
Snowman or Snow Angel?
Favorite Christmassy Beverage:
Favorite Winter Sports (skiing, sledding, hockey, etc.):
A favorite Christmas memory:

An interesting link between Xmas and Lucy!
Today is the Feast of Saint Lucy!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/saints/lucy.shtml

13 DAYS TIL CHRISTMAS

2009-12-12T12:05:00.001-08:00

Christmas Task of the Day: Tell someone a Christmassy Joke

Examples: Why does Santa have 3 gardens? So he can hoe hoe hoe!

What do snowmen eat for breakfast? Snowflakes!

Feel free to email me any good ones or favorites.

Lucy's Joke:
What do reindeer hang on their Christmas trees?

HORNaments!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Christmas Song of the Day: Deck the Halls!

Note: Please submit all Christmas Photos by tomorrow, 12 days til xmas.

The freaking cutest thing I've ever seen

2009-12-10T22:04:00.001-08:00

CHRISTMAS IN 14 DAYS!

2009-12-10T22:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas task of the day: Be a secret Santa! (to be completed before Xmas Eve)

Get or make a small little special gift for someone - candy, burn a Xmas music CD, a yummy snack, print a pic, write a postcard, etc...
Make sure to include a card or note and sign it from Secret Santa
Pick someone and give it to them (or have someone else give it to them!)
Write me an email explaining what gift you got or made, who you gave it to, why you gave it to them, and what their reaction is (and I'll tell you about mine)

Christmas Song of the Day: Winter Wonderland (one of my favoritest favorites)

Merry Merry

Christmas through the ages...

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

15 DAYS TIL CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-12-10T09:52:00.000-08:00

Here is the aromatic wreath I bought for our door. It smells just like Christmas.

CHRISTMAS TASK OF THE DAY: Sometime in the next few days, snap a pic of something christmassy and send it to me. It can have people or no people, inanimate objects, be abstract, or literal, close up, far away, whatever! You can take it with your phone or camera and then email it to me.

Yesterday, I watched Disney's Prep & Landing. Its a supercute 30 min animation about Santas lil helpers and I give it 5 out of 5 candy canes. You can catch it on hulu.com. Other holiday movie reccomendations include White Christmas, Elf, and my personal favorite, The Last Holiday starring Queen Latifah.

Christmas Song of the Day: Here Comes Santa Claus

Blast from the Xmas Past--- last year in Petaluma at crazy lights festival

You asked for it! 16 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

2009-12-09T09:34:00.000-08:00

A Christmas Miracle! There was a whole layer of ice on my windshield this morning that I couldn't get rid of just by windshield wiping! I had to defrost! What will happen next? Snow in San Francisco? Maybe...

To continue the christmassiest christmas of all christmas's, I'll be updating my blog with christmassy ideas, surprises, and stuffnstuff.

Christmas Song of the Day: The First Noel (when you hear the song of the day, your heart will be filled with extra Xmas cheer! And you should try to sing along gloriously)

Christmas Task of the Week: Christmassy holiday drink in red cup (Egg nog Latte or Gingerbread Latte, etc.)

P.S. Good idea about Pandora christmas radio (make sure to add the artist Straight No Chaser to your Christmas playlist)

Boston (last November)

2009-11-15T13:37:00.000-08:00

When Mom and Emmy arrived we went to Upstairs on the Square for a lovely dinner

The next morning we had breakfast in the hotel and then headed to Lucy's dorm room to take a look around.

Lucy doing "normal" dorm things...

Lucys tiny but well decorated dorm room

Next we walked around beautiful Cambridge....
A red berry tree

The home of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Harvard Square

Cool sciency restaurant Lucy took us to

Coffee on the steps of Harvard Yard

The view from the top of the Prudential Center, where we dined.

Have you ever seen so many muscles?

Tea at the Taj

A walk through Boston Commons

and along the freedom trail

View from the Charles Hotel window

the library

Boston Thursday

2009-11-14T14:48:00.000-08:00

I was pretty tired after taking the red eye, but after a few hour nap, I was ready to go and explore Boston. We headed out to a yelp-recommended breakfast spot and had a nice meal, then walked over to the Science Museum where there was a ... HARRY POTTER EXHIBIT. It's a bit ironic right? A magical exhibit at a science museum? It was amazing and fun and interesting. Then we wandered around the rest of the museum. Eventually we got to that point where you dont care anymore and started making short videos to entertain ourselves. Twas fun.

to be continued...

Boston!

2009-11-06T08:07:00.000-08:00

TV in the bathroom mirror!!!

The price is right

Tipsy Pig

2009-10-28T14:29:00.001-07:00

Punkys!

2009-10-25T18:00:00.000-07:00

I love my lil pumpy!

Hardly Strictly Blue Grass Festival in Golden Gate Park

2009-10-02T15:27:00.000-07:00

Okervil River, friends, and pizza

Tour de Fat

2009-09-25T15:45:00.000-07:00

Chris's Birthday Week Extravaganza!!

2009-08-31T08:59:00.000-07:00

MONDAY, August 24th, 2009

For Chris's actual 30th birthday, we met some friends at the Top of the Mark for a martini and some appetizers - what a view. For dinner we ended up at Luna Park Kitchen and Cocktails and had a delicious meal. They brought out a giant fake cake - fireworks thing and we sang happy birthday - our chocolate cake dessert was underneath. Gladly, no ones eyebrows caught on fire.

TUESDAY
Homemade dinner, redeemable at any time.
Steak and Decero Petit Verdot from our trip to Argentina

WEDNESDAY
Super Surprise Present:
Vs.

on September 8th at AT&T Park... take me out to the ballgame...

THURSDAY
Nightlife at Academy of Sciences!!!

smelling the giant flower
my new favorite fish "the vacuum"

Nick, Ann, Chris, Tami, and Elly on the living roof
FRIDAY
For Fridays event, we went to what turned out to be our new favorite restaurant, Anchor and Hope. Not only do they have amazing seafood, they have the longest beer list I have ever seen at a fwancy restaurant. Note the heirloom tomato salad, delicious belgian beer, and our favorite - "angels on horseback" bacon wrapped oysters!

SUNDAY
Tickets for...

ze bridge

Delirious Journeys

Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012

The Bridge

Live Blogging NYE 2011

Christmas Gingerbread Man Pirate

Puttin up the tree

SnowMan Odyssey

Moo-erry Christmas

Xmas Guest Post: Lucy Lanai

It's Coming...

Delirious Journeys to Grad School

Aloha

The North Shore

Oahu!

Honolulu!

Happy Mother's Day!!!!

Bday Supwise!

Clouds

Sanders Sisters Go to Catalina

Furry Christmas

A Very Shaquille Christmas

Xmas Photo Contest

Interesting History of Christmas Snippet Video

Weird Christmas

Swurvey Says...

Whistle While You Work

It's Here!!!!! The Christmasiest Christmas Blog!

I love it here

26 miles across the Sea...

Catalina!!!!!!

Happy Happy Birthday Baby

Anniversa-rary.....

A Day in the Life

New York

Lucy's Graduation from Harvard!!!

It's Birthday Tiiiiiiiiiiime

Crazy Day

The funniest thing ever

Maui Wednesday

Maui Thursday

Maui Friday

Saturday in Maui

Maui Sunday

Maui Monday

Back to life, back to reality

Farewell Maui

Another tough day in Maui...

Maui

Cat poo Coffee!

Sisters in SF

Photo Contest Winner and Submissions

Three days doo dah

F-O-U-R D-A-Y-S Fa la la la la, la la la la!

5 DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Swurvey Sways...

NINE FINE DAYS.

YOU CAN COUNT IT ON TWO HANDS! 10 DAYS TIL CHRISTMAS!

11 DAYS TIL XMAS?!!?!?!!?!?

On the Twelfth Day Til Christmas...

13 DAYS TIL CHRISTMAS

The freaking cutest thing I've ever seen

CHRISTMAS IN 14 DAYS!

15 DAYS TIL CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!

You asked for it! ***16 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS***

Boston (last November)

Boston Thursday

Boston!

Tipsy Pig

Punkys!

Hardly Strictly Blue Grass Festival in Golden Gate Park

Tour de Fat

Chris's Birthday Week Extravaganza!!

You asked for it! 16 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS