What a difference a day makes....

Laguna Beach, from my parent's porch:


My Minnesota backyard:


It is still snowing a bit in Minnesota, and we are supposed to get more. I woke up at 4 am to the sound of snowplows, instead of the breaking of waves. Quite a difference!!

I hope you all had a marvelous Christmas. Mine was wonderful. I was cozy and comfortable in Mom and Dad's guest room with a new firm mattress, and a beautiful house, with incredible parents and a million cool things to look at.

Dad makes all the meals, and they are spectacular. If he was a chef for Sparkpeople, everyone would be on a path to good health, and everyone would be happy about it. His salad before dinner could be from a five-star restaurant, and it looks as good as it tastes. Every dinner has about five different vegetables, all perfectly cooked, all gloriously presented, along with some turkey or salmon, or whatever he chooses. I got spoiled, and coming home to make my salad, I realized how much goes into the preparation of those meals. I'm going back, SOON!!

Every morning, Dad peels himself and my Mom an orange, sets it on a pretty little plate, all perfectly presented. I got one every morning too, and when I had to peel my orange this morning myself, I put it on a plate, to remind myself that presentation DOES matter, and that my Dad is awesome.

Mom would not eat the chocolate I brought her for Christmas, and was adamant that I take it back with me. She won't ever change, and unfortunately she has some memory issues, and it breaks my heart. The fortunate thing is that Dad loves her so much, and will always be there for her. He knows I will come back if he needs me at any time. He is sharp as a tack, funny and healthy. I really lucked out when they handed out parents.

Thanks, Mom & Dad. I love you so much. (Christmas morning...don't you love Dad's festive Christmas vest?)



I came home and my DARLING DAUGHTER had cleaned the kitchen, scrubbed the floors, and was there at the airport to greet me. I lucked out in the kid department too.

I fixed a number of things at my Parent's house. They get a lot of sun, reflecting off the ocean, and a lot of the upholstery needed fixing. I made some slip-covers, made covers for arms of chairs, and had a lot of fun repairing everything. It made Mom very happy, which makes me happy!!

All in all, it was a fabulous trip. I thank you all for indulging me, when I really had no internet service, and understanding that I would be back.

I hope you all had happy, healthy holidays, and that you have no New Year's resolutions, other than to have no New Year's resolutions!! Don't ever set yourself up for failure. IF you want to succeed at something, start tomorrow, then stick with it, even if you have a blip on your radar screen. Life is fleeting, and no specific day will make your resolve any firmer.

Spark on.