Yep - Moving On.

Right after Thanksgiving I really like to move onto to the next holiday. The decorations are all out and I'm now feeling the holiday spirit. Christmas music here I come!!

The Thanksgiving.

The Thanksgiving
Originally uploaded by RocketGirl*

Here is a video of when we surprised my father for Thanksgiving.

Calm Before The Storm

As I sit here, in the calm of the den with the three cats, an apple and a fire, I know that chaos and all hell will break loose soon. I can feel the pressure from the drivers on the road (and they aren't even in Los Alamos County). My father and Chris are down in Chimayo and will be heading back up soon. Courtney is outside of Albuquerque and will be here in an hour and a half. Frank, Mike and James are on the by-pass and will be here in 30 minutes. Needless to say I feel the pull of my bed room and pjs.

So far this visit we have already had a number of yelling matches (some with me - but mostly between other people), one full blown adult melt down (yes - they happen and let me tell you ... NOT PRETTY), my hands are raw from cleaning (cleaning up mostly after other people), and at this point I'm about to toss other people's crap around just to get it out of my face.

I know - deep breath - it is family. I love having them around. I like a big house of crazy during the holidays .... but for these few moments ... I'm going to relax and enjoy this apple. It is crisp, simple, and exactly what I need.

Thanksgiving Time.

Mike and I just went to the store where we spent a crazy amount of money. Turns out that we are having 16 people over for dinner on Thanksgiving (and that is including my family). The turkeys are now starting to thaw and the stuffing is drying. I can't wait for Turkey day. Football, friends and family, food food food .... oh such a great day!

CatManLove

Bend loves his daddy.

Few More Japan Photos.

New Korean Jewlery Box.

The South Koreans that were in town gave me a lovely new jewelry box. It opens up and has loads of small drawers. Wonderfully beautiful - I can't wait to put stuff into it.

Upholstery Anyone?

I just got back this chair which was re-upholstered here in town (at Chair Works). The cats have already taken to snuggling on it. I think they did a really nice job.

Unfriend.

Yep. The new word of the year picked by the Oxford dictionary. Used in a sentence; "Creepy person on Facebook - I unfriend you!" Now word and the rest of the typing programs will have to catch up and stop saying unfriend is miss spelled!

Home & Tired.

Robes in Tokyo hotel! It was a wonderful 1970's James Bond looking hotel.

Hotel room bibles.

Observing from inside the city seems painful - but I guess they do it!


Here are some final shots from Tokyo and my final few days in Mito City. Overall it was a blast. Too short for the number of things I wanted to see and do - but at least I now know the ways .... for the next trip that is.

Japan Day 2.5 (or is it 3).

Today was a day of visiting gardens and shrines. My how my feet hurt. I decided after seeing the 3 greatest garden in Japan to take a load off my feet and get my nails done. I can't count on one hand the number of times I've had my nails done. A very relaxing experience. Last night was dinner out at a cook your own place. It was fantastic (although mine had to go back to have the egg removed). Tonight is tempura and sushi. Hmmm - I can't wait for Mike to get back to the hotel.

Japan - Day 2.

Today I found gardens, stores, groceries, and wonderful snacks.  There is way too much to do and very little time!   (and yes ... that is an Asian pear the size of my head ... and yes ... I am eating it one bite at a time)

Japan - Where Does The Water Go?

My first yen.  My how exciting.  We left ABQ at 6am and got into Japan 8pm the next day.  Basically all of Saturday and Sunday were lost (well lost on a plane ride).  The hotel room is just big enough for a bed that will fit 2 short people and the toilet has WAY too many controls.  I'm worried where the water might go.   Free internet in the room.  I'll try to keep the posts coming.

Feelings.

Bend has been on new medication - in an attempt to fix his accidents. I'm not sure the medication is working correctly yet - but he sure seems mellow. Moab got a shot in the butt ... to help her as well. Her first real poo was pretty interesting. I've never heard a kitty howl so painfully!

What Does It Look Like?

I know you have been waiting. Wondering - what does a jade plant flower look like .... and here it is. The very first one to open!

Cold Evening.

The days are warm this week - but the evenings have been cool. Methow has been enjoying the fire more and more. As a matter of fact the cats haven't been coming to bed at all (sleeping by the fire at night). This week will be crazy until the end - where early Saturday morning Mike and I get on a plane to Japan. I've never been to Asia before. I can't wait!

When The Moon Is Up.

Bend rules the house with an iron paw!

Which One Is Better?

Gone Macro Crazy.

I love taking macro photos!! I'm still waiting for the jade flower to open up. What is taking so long???

Another Fun Run.

We did our 6.5 mile run (training for the PF Chang race in January). Here is another map ... It was a really fun run and we have a loud of good people ready to kick some ass in Arizona.