amended xmas list

I have amended my list.  Here is a blue fox on the left and a silver on the right.  They seem more practical than a full length mink. I mean where would I wear it and I would worry all the time that it would be stolen.  We did go to Zinmans the other day and look at coats.  I fondled every coat in the store.  They had a full length chinchilla that was stunning and probably the softest thing I have ever felt in my life.  Alas way, way out of my price range. (40,000) and no I have not made a mistake with the zeros.  Not a single sales person came up to us the entire time we were in the store.  Terrible customer service.  They probably could have talked me into a coat.  I must not have looked like a fur type of gal with my yoga pocketbook and my grandson.  Oh well.

Annual Tree Hunt

Baby Brennan dressed for ChristmasAs everyone knows, Christmas is my favorite time of year.  Every year I went out with my father and we got a tree.  Some years the other kids came, some years not. Some years we cut down trees and some years not.  I always thought my mother sent me to make sure my father picked a good tree.  It was a tradition I always loved.  My father caved a few years ago and got a fake tree, but I still drag my family out together for our tree.  It is fun.  They think I am a dork. (but I dont care)

Its me dontcha think?

woo- woo

I'm telling Santa this is what I want!

AWESOME SURPRISE PARTY!

Yesterday Mike texted me and said the Humphries wanted to go to Max's for dinner.  I was crabby and we exchanged texts about couldn't it be another night, I dont want to be out late, I have to work five long days this week (unusual for me I only work 4 days).  Anyway i whined through about four texts and then called him and complained some more.  When Mike said I could be home in bed early I said OK.

We get to Max's and I see the empty bar and a bunch of people waiting at the entrance to the restaurant for tables and I think "cool" seats at the bar for us.  Then all these people shriek "SURPRISE!"  I was stunned! Shocked! and very surprised!  We went to a back room in Max's, there was a ton of balloons, a cake and a really excellent dinner.  I had a great time and Mike really put one over on me.  I am touched by and grateful to all the people who showed up.  It was fun and I broke my two martini limit and still made it to work today.

Max's and why I like it so much

Some of Machu Picchu

fountain in Cusco

fountain in Aguas Calientes

Mike on the way to Inkipunti (Sun Gate)

Machu Picchu

Lastly, some yoga in a sacred place in the world

More of Peru

Towards the end of the trip we headed down to Arequipa and took and overnight trip to Chivay, Colca Canyon and Coporaque.

We saw the Andean condors in flight.  They have a wing span of approx. 9-13 feet.  We waited forever for them to come.  All of a sudden they came out just cruising the thermals

This is where we stayed

The volcanoes in southern Peru.The Ice Maiden of the Andes was found on one of these volcanoes.  She had been sacrificed about 400 years ago. She was found totally intact and frozen.  We got to see her in Arequipa.    juanita the ice maiden     I am saving the best for last Machu Picchu

Santa Catalina Monasterio (St. Catherine"s)

This is St Catalina's Monastery, it covers about five acres and currently houses about 30 nuns from age 18 and up.

It is a contemplative order, so there is no contact with the outside world.  They make soap and cookies and little things that are sold in a gift shop to help support themselves.

It was beautiful and quiet.The old part is about 4oo years old.  The nuns live in the new part and we aren't allowed in that part.

This is St Catherine of Sienna.

The monastery is located in the colonial downtown of Arequipa.

There was beautiful artwork in all the arches.  In alot of ways it reminded of The Alhambra in Granada, Spain.  There was something Moorish about the architecture.

Walking around this beautiful, peaceful place made me very grateful for our new addition,Brennan,coming additions baby A and baby B and the grandchildren we already know and love, Kade and Addie.

Stay tuned for more pictures.  I still have lots; the condors, Machu Picchu, Ollaytaytambo, and more.