Joy to the World

The last Christmas present got delivered 3am on Dec. 26th. Alexandria JOY Coil. Jill and Ryan are the happy parents of the cutest little (just over 5 lbs) baby girl. She's very tiny, little nose, little lips, little head and huge feet. Her daddy is already in love and very proud. Love the brown spiky hair - very Coil.

Taylor is a big sister!

It was a very merry Christmas. The best present was the news that Taylor was going to be a big sister. That's right Lindsey is expecting a boy in July. (How's that for being positive) Not only is he a little boy but he'll have dark brown curly hair. (Ok maybe not - but if one can hope let's go all the way) The girls are very excited and Jack would love another boy in the cousin department. Not to worry if the baby is a girl - she'll be as cute as the rest. Congratulations to everyone.

Merry Christmas to all. This is my 2008 Christmas Card. The photo doesn't tell it all but you get the highlights. Hurricane Ike, Corbin and his companion (just kidding) all the grandkids, Jordan graduates, Jill expecting, Cory getting his MBA and traveling with Mr. B. In many ways it was a great year - I know the sky is falling and now I'm developing the left side of my brain but everyone I love is safe, happy, employed and healthy and I got to see more of this wonderful world. Here's to a Happy Next Year.

Working Girl

The war of the world finances claims another victim. I've been drafted. I now have joined the army of 9 to 5 workers. Yes I know some people would be happy to have a job but this somebody was just getting use to the life of a princess. So here is my new world. I do trade, compliance and financial reports all day. My highlight of the day is I get to answer the phone in my new friendly office voice. I do get some bonuses - lunch with the boss, if I go get it and hmmmm I don't think I'll tell the other bonus.

Off to the City

I spent a few days with Lindsey's cute family of blondes and did a two day bedroom makeover. Here's the video, now we are ready for HGTV, aren't the hosts adorable. McKenna's bedroom is next and then all the grandkids will be sleeping in style, until the new baby and/or they all move again.

Katelynn, Ashley & Taylor dance like an Egyptian

They are the cutest belly dancers I ever saw.

The Camel Ride

We got to travel back in time while we were in Cairo.

The ruins of Pompeii

The ruins of Pompeii are really a step back in time. If you watch the HBO special of Rome it looks like it could have been filmed here - except for Pompeii is in ruins but it has all the frescoes and the look of a city back in the day. We had a tour guide that liked to call all the regular tourist barbarians - we weren't included because we were with him. The city is huge and you could wander for days. Some of the interesting facts - they collected urine (for tanning and other things) and it was even taxed, it had at least one bordello, the walls had graffiti and if you tip any guard he'll let you in a closed off area (it might help to carry an umbrella and talk like a guide). The ancient Romans knew how to live - maybe not a good way to die though.

Ravello and Almafi Coast

The town of Ravello is the perfect italian village. It has two very high end hotels that we wandered around and maybe someday we hope to return. The Amalfi Coast drive is amazing especially if you are not behind the wheel so you can enjoy the view.

Bracciano - I Do too.

If it was good enough for TomKat to get married in I thought it was worth seeing. It's a lovely medieval town - with all the stone walls and towers. The castle is fit for a king but the best story involves the queen. She would take on new lovers and when they left they took the secret exit that ended in a pit of sharp stakes. That's one way to end a relationship. We had a great time with Ivano our guide and saw all the pretty towns that surround Lake Bracciano. It's a place Italians go to get away from the big cities like Rome.

Barcelona the city that I love!

Barcelona the city that I love. I'll only mention my favorite things. It's known for it's Modernism architecture, the most famous are from the master Gaudi - his cathedral is still a work in progess. My favorite place is the Palau de la Musica Catalana. This little theater is a flower garden from the stained glass ceiling of the sun to the muses that surround the back of the stage to the mosaic flowered columns it is perfect. Another experience not to miss is the Spanish art of Flamenco it's more than just stamping, clapping and dancing. It started with passionate music and by passion I mean more than your dog died and your lover left you - whatever they are singing about is pretty intense almost scary. Las Ramblas is a street that you stroll down and see some amazing street performers and the market is the biggest fruit stand you'll find - you can even buy live chickens and birds here. Barcelona is just one of a kind.