Goodbye November!

Opened the Dogfish Head Brewery Bitches Brew last night.  It was very good, although I'm not used to drinking such a bold flavor brew.  Described on the site as, "a bold, dark beer that's a fusion of three threads imperial stout and one thread honey beer with gesho root".  I swore I tasted a bit of a chocolate, but it was probably because of the dark color.  I'm so not a connoisseur of beer!

30 Days Has November . . .

 I can't believe it's the last day of November!  As I was once told, "Life is like a roll of toilet paper.  The closer you get to the end, the faster it goes."


These pictures were taken at the Craftart 2010 on Central Avenue on November 21.  I took these towards the end of the 2 day event.

Almost bought myself a funnelcake!

This is the "open air" post office downtown. 

Countdown to Christmas 2010

Well, we've had the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, and Santa appeared at the end, so I guess it's official.  And all the crazies went out in the middle of the night on Friday.  [No offense intended if you fit into that group.]
This picture of from my first Christmas here in Florida.  I took that on Sunset Beach in the afternoon on Christmas Eve in 2007.  I haven't taken an updated photo with the hat, so this one will have to do.

I decided to head down to the Saturday Morning Market this morning.  On the way walking to the market, I saw these girls heading there too.  I still think it strange to see boots in Florida!

This group was playing at the Market. Their sound reminded me of Drumline! Loved it!

The parks along the Bay in downtown St Pete are all decked out for the season.

Heading back along the Bay.  

As I was passing BayWalk, I decided to check out the movie schedule.  Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was set to begin in 10 minutes, so I bought myself a 'senior' ticket.
It seems like ages ago that I finished the Harry Potter series and I was wondering if I remembered any of it!  I'm glad they are doing the last book in two parts.  I loved it!  

The bad guys . . . 

I hated to see the movie end!  Well, at least end in the middle . . . 

And tonight I decided to head out to do some Christmas shopping.  I figured the Saturday crowds would be down, and they were.  First to Tyrone Square mall and then over to Beall's.  Got a lot accomplished!  And in jeans and a polo shirt.

I LOVE Christmas in Florida!

Happy Thanksgiving 2010!

I was thinking last night that this is my fourth Thanksgiving here in Florida.  Makes me think, "What?  Where'd the time go???"  And each one has been celebrated differently in a different home or restaurant.  So much for establishing a new tradition!
I hope everyone enjoys the day with good family, friends and a delicious feast.  And remember those who are less fortunate.  Always room at the table.

I was invited over to Geoff's for dinner.  Turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, stuffing, sweet potato casserole, cranberries.  Dinner was scrumptious!  And for dessert, apple, pumpkin and chocolate velvet pies!  Gotta LOVE Thanksgiving dinners!

Way to Go Joe!

That's my son Joe on the right.  As you can see, this shot is in Egypt.  Joe is the DP for the new Discovery Channel show, Brew Masters.  That's Sam Calagione founder of Dogfish Head Brewery.  Can you tell I'm a bit proud?

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!

I received a 33% off coupon from Borders the other day in email, and decided to use it before it expired.  A short time ago I saw "The Triplets of Belleville" DVD there.  I had seen the movie when it played at the Regal Crossgates Cinemas when I worked there.  It's a cute stylistic animated film with little or no dialog. 
And, naturally, I couldn't stop there.  All the decorations got me in the mood, and Santa going, "HO! HO! HO!", so I did a little Christmas shopping too.

Keep Moving Forward: Best Date Ever

This is a post from Adele's blog.  I wanted to post this here.  She beautifully describes our Daddy Daughter Date in detail, with pictures of the food!  Just click on the "Keep Moving Forward: Best Date Ever"  link below

Keep Moving Forward: Best Date Ever: "When I was little, I used to go for Daddy-Daughter dates, when just me and my Dad would plan something fun to do. And of course, in my fami..."

It's A Wonder It Lasted As Long As It Did

As Joe reminded me, Vinnie once said, "It's a wonder it lasted as long as it did."  [Original was, "Like your shoes, it's a wonder she lasted as long as she did."]


I got my original cell phone in spring 2004.  And that's about all it was:  a phone!  Lately I was having a difficult time plugging it in to recharge.  Seems the connections were getting a bit worn.  So, I figure, before I end up losing all my contacts (as if I have so many), I'd better upgrade while it would be easy.  So, here I am.  I've got the web browser free for 30 days, but not sure I'm going to keep that.  I'm still a bit old school!

And voilà!  Here is my first pic from my new phone!  Too bad there wasn't a 'remove dorkiness' button in the edits.

A Past Halloween

I happened to come across this picture on Adele's facebook profile and could not resist re-posting it.  Love it!  Joe as He-Man and Adele in a pillowcase as a bride.

Halloween 2010 in Old Northeast

I can't remember the last time I spent Halloween with Adele . . . but this year she got to witness the "show" that is Halloween in Old Northeast!  We joined Pete and Joe and Michael for "ghoulash" to begin the festivities.  Then Adele and I took a walk around the neighborhood to search out the Sanderson Sisters.

 Everyone and their little friends gets dressed up!

 Monster House . . . 

Those bright spots are flames of fire.

This is on 18th Ave NE, a few blocks from my place.  This home had scheduled shows up on the roof over the first floor, complete with giant flame throwers and twirling fire batons. The crowds for the 9:15 show can be seen in the pictures following. 

Oh well, another corpse.

 Waiting for the show to begin.

Flame chimneys.

A frightened Adele . . . 

 Making cotton candy cones . . . 

Front yard as a pirate ship.

 Jaws awaits . . . 

 This setup was a beauty parlor with full services . . . 

We paid a visit to Linda and Frank's place, "Heaven and Hell"  Linda was the angel and Frank was the devil.

 There was plenty of food, including these "finger" cookies.

 Is that Joe Gillis in Norma Desmond's pool???

 Frank, Linda, and Adele.

 The hell side had bats flying around and the heaven side had wisps of cottony clouds.

"Enter If You Dare"

Feeding the Trick or Treaters.  Once the candy was gone, we were inside enjoying the spice pumpkin cupcakes that Pete had made.

Yummy!

 No wonder that many small children are afraid of clowns!

 Eerie affect of walking thru a fog and bubbles and strobe tunnel over the sidewalk.

Electric chair "demonstration".

 Mad Tea Party setup.

 Still a line at 9:15 pm for the second cotton candy give away.

The crowd for the last fire show at 9:15 pm spilled off the block at both ends.  I think it was a bit tooooo much.