Deck The Halls - A Tour of Apt 4 Villa Rosa

While not a 'virtual' tour, this is a short photo essay of my decorating skills or lack thereof. Plus, next year when I decorate for Christmas 2010, I can look at this and figure out where to put things.

Something old, something new.

I stole this crown from the King at the Coronation last week.

And to all a Good Night!

Suncoast Squares Party

These shots are from the Suncoast Squares party on Sunday night.

The tall and short of it! Causes me to stretch on those California twirls.

Another December Weekend

This past weekend was a busy one. Friday night was actually quiet. I worked on Saturday morning. It was very busy, but not crazy busy and that's a good thing!

Saturday night we went to John and Sully's for their Christmas party. Their house was beautifully decorated (I'm hoping to have some more pictures to add [Thanks Ralph!]) They had 5 trees decorated! I've always had enough trouble with only one tree! We're having a cold snap here this week, and the temperature dipped down into the 50s last night, but still the party spilled out into the backyard. The bar was set up about 2 feet from the pool. I think someone was hoping that someone would take a splash? The above picture was taken at the party.

Tonight the Suncoast Squares had our monthly dance party. We had a catered meal of chicken parm, baked zitis, salad, broccoli and desserts. Who wanted to dance after that! A bunch of us went over to Georgie's afterwards for a short stop. I'll have some pics to post from this party too, thanks to Wayne. I haven't been a very good photographer this past weekend!

A Short Stroll

After I ate my dinner I decided to take a quick stroll around a couple of blocks. I figured it would give my clothes in the dryer enough time to dry. I was in shorts and a t-shirt, the temperature around 70 degrees. (Hmmmm? I wonder what it's like up there in Albany?)

On My Block

Just thought I'd take a few daylight pics of a couple houses on my block. It's interesting to see all the holiday decorations amidst the flowers!

This house is for rent just a couple doors up on the other side of the street from my apartment. I oughta check it out!

Christmas Party at Amber's

This group shot was taken at our Christmas party last Saturday night at Amber's. Most of my co-workers were in attendance. The theme was "Death by Chocolate". Lots of chocolate to eat. In fact, some of the party goers got a little sick on the way home. See if you can guess who in the crowd looks likely.

Christmas Celebrations

Frosted window panes . . . Candles gleaming inside . . . I digress . . . It's that busy time of year again. On Friday night we went to the Una Voce "Then One Foggy Winter's Eve" holiday concert at the HCC Ybor Campus Performing Arts Center. This was Wayne's first Christmas concert in 13 years where he was in the audience and not on stage.

On Saturday night we went to my branch Christmas Party at Amber's home. All week we had "Secret Santas" at work. These are some of the gifts I got. The big one was from the party on Saturday night. Now how did Santa know I like chocolate? Thanks Michelle!

I made this Deep Chocolate Dream Cake to bring. The theme of the party was "Death by Chocolate".

On Sunday we went to the 12th Annual Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood Association Candlelight Tour of Homes. This is the neighborhood where I live. So it's nice to walk around and tour some of the homes of my neighbors! I didn't bring my camera, and since I was off today, I took pictures of each home. It was a foggy morning!

I saw this red bird in the bamboo ourside my living room window. I think he was a little camera shy!

The Vinoy cupola as the fog was lifting.

This is the first home on the tour. It's a Queen Anne Victorian built in 1908. It's been restored as the Larelle House Bed & Breakfast.

Home 2 was a block west on 6th Ave NE. It was also built in 1908. It was gutted and remodeled in 2008. What a nice 100th Birthday present!

Home 3 is a 2009 "green" Crastsman Bungalow.

Home 4 is located right behind my apartment. It's a work in progress, with interior renovations underway. The large kitchen has been completed. I was dying to take one of the cookies off the counter!

Home 5 is located 2 blocks up the street from my apartment. When I went for walks after I moved here, I saw as a big tree was removed from the front of the house, and the porch was added and the windows updated. I liked this one's interior!
I know my daughters would love the Princess' bedroom and playroom on the second floor.

Home 6 is located a block up the side street next to my apartment building. This home was being renovated when I first moved here. Although the rooms aren't large, I liked many of it's features.

Home 8 is located on 20th Ave NE. This was the 7th home we visited. As we were walking to the last home on the tour, we ran into Linda and Frank. Linda comes into the credit union and she had invited us to stop in at their home for a glass of wine. So, we went on to the last house and then stopped off at their house on our way back to my apartment. They are a very nice couple and invited us to stop by on Christmas!

The last home we toured is one of two original Arts and Crafts Bungalows in the entire Historic Old Northeast.

These trees are located right across the street. I am always amazed by their size!

This home wasn't on the tour, but I included because it's porches are furnished to look like outdoor rooms! It's an eyecatcher as you drive by on 9th Ave NE.

A Tampa Bay Holiday HONNA Candlelight Walking Tour

We are going on the Candlelight Tour this afternoon. We did it last year. It really gets one into the holiday spirit, plus we get to go into some of the homes in my neighborhood!

Two Year Mark!

Wayne and I celebrated our 2nd Anniversary of meeting each other. We went to dinner at Valentino's on 4th St. N, probably our favorite Italian restaurant. Dennis, the owner is from Schenectady! I had Chicken Francese and Wayne had Chicken Marsala. As we were walking into Valentino's, I realized that I had left my camera home, so tagged on at the end of this post are photos of the leftovers!

This reminded me of something. My present to Wayne for all he did on the costumes and the conveyor belt.

Wayne made a coconut cake for dessert. I think it was his best one yet!

Christmas is Coming

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in my apartment! I got out of work at 1:15pm today. Did a good cleaning of my living room, and put up the tree while watching "It's a Wonderful Life".
Did a little more cleaning and decorating tonight. Hit the wall, so heading to bed now. I'm off on Thursday, so will finish up then.

Remembering Dad on what would have been his 90th Birthday. I miss you Dad! Thanks for all the memories!

NYS Senator Diane Savino speaks on the Marriage Equality bill

And I had to add this:

Feeling Like a Little Italian Tonight

Last Saturday I picked up some pizza dough, tomato sauce, pepperoni and mozzarella cheese and put together a pizza. Not as good as Wayne's, but I'm working on it!

Today has been a very dark and rainy day. High around 60 degrees. Good soup weather. I put together a little Italian buffet. Abbondanza!