Steve hosted a holiday dinner party at his place in Tampa. Dinner was delicious! Love his "Christmas tree"! Kinda like the Charlie Brown tree with the one red ball!
Starting with drinks and hors d'oeuvres.
My place
Very interesting! As web site sez:
"A breezy one-hour show that is equal parts adorable and creepy, hilarious and unsettling, making it way more compelling than your average holiday entertainment."
-Variety
American Stage Theatre Company continues its "After Hours" series with the holiday musical spectacular A Very Merry Unauthorized Children's Scientology Pageant, in repertory with David Sedaris' The Santaland Diaries, December 9 thru 22.
Definitely not your usual holiday fare!
I joined the monthly Outings & Adventures book club a few months back. The men and women each have their own selections and meetings. This month, because of the holiday, the selection and the meetings were combined. The meetings are a combination dinner and discussion held at various places. Each month alternates between a Tampa location and a Saint Petersburg location. This month's was at the Vinoy at Marchand's. We had a three course dinner and it was YUMMY!!!
Robert heads the men's book club. He was the director of The Colonie Town Library for almost 30 years. Colonie is the town where I grew up! Small world!
Sunday, the 13th Annual Tour was held. This was the third year that I went on the tour. It's becoming a tradition and allows me to see the interiors of many of the nice homes in the neighborhood. The homes this year were all clustered within 3 blocks of each other. Made it very easy to get around!
This was my favorite! In many of the homes, you may like the kitchen, or the baths, or maybe the living room or dining room, but in this home, overall was the best! The upper floor was added by the owners and the rooms were all large with a great view. This home is located on a point near Coffee Pot Bayou.
The map. A purchased ticket gets you the booklet with the map of the homes on display.
This partridge in a pear tree was in the first home we visited.
This home had a beautiful kitchen! Big, great room for gathering!
After the tour we went back to Pete's and Joe's for pizza and then to await others for a wine and cheese party! Well, more than just cheese!
Our gracious hosts!
Steve and Wayne checking out the food!
The bears!
Tonight was the annual lighted boat parade in downtown St. Pete. Instead of watching it from the park along the Bay, I got to see it from a distance, from the 4th floor deck of the 400 Beach Drive Condominium. The trees in Straub Park blocked some of the view, but, hey! who cared? :-)
My landlords, Ralph and Darrell put on the party. They asked each guest to bring an unwrapped toy as a donation to Toys for Tots. There was good food and drink and mingling.
This is the view looking north towards the Vinoy. The night was a bit nippy, in the high 50s. I didn't take any inside shots since I didn't feel comfortable taking pictures of the attendees and festivities since I only knew the hosts and one other guest. It was nice that everyone was friendly and cordial. The wine and spirits helped!
Looking south.
Hmmmm? No one in the pool? I wonder why?
Looking down at the sculpture at the entrance to the Chihuly collection on the first floor.
Because of the boat parade, I figured it would be tough to find a parking place, so I walked down, about a 12 minute walk. I snapped some shots on my walk back.
Who needs snow?
I love looking in to see the lighted trees.
This house is on the northwest corner of my block. My apartment building is on the northeast corner.
This is John and Mark's place, four doors down from me.
I received some news last night that, in an instant, changed my life. I'm going to be a Grandpa!
Joe and Joy called last night saying that they couldn't wait until Christmas to give me a present. And then they asked if I would like to be called Grandpa! I was so happy and excited that I was speechless!
And what better timing! Today is my Dad's birthday. He would have been 91. And it hit me that our family is now adding a new generation. Sunrise. Sunset!
I think this picture with Gina may be one of the last pictures I have of my Dad.
This is an ornament (on the right) we gave to him a while back. Soon I will be using it for me!
The bubble light Santa is one of the first Christmas decorations my Dad bought after he and Ma were married. I have many wonderful memories and traditions because of him. I miss you Dad!
I've been decking my halls these past couple of days. Following in my recent tradition, I put up the tree while watching "It's a Wonderful Life". It's been a beautiful sunny day, in the mid 60s. We're in the middle of a cold snap, with nights dipping down into the 50s and mid 40s. Got my flannel sheets on the bed. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! The Santa Parade was this morning, but as usual, I had to work, so I didn't get to go. Lot's of holiday events coming up, plus a visit from all of my children at once! I can't wait!
Rather than re-take pictures of my apartment, I'll just post this link to last year's. Efficiency in blogging!
I took a quick trip downtown to snap a few pictures of the lights in the park. I ran out with just my polo shirt and jeans, not realizing that it was 61 degrees out there and breezy! Brrrrrrrrr!
The 'official' St Petersburg downtown tree!
Candy Cane Lane, leading up to Santa's sleigh.
Awaiting Santa again.
Looking towards the Pier.
Looking west.
Robert heads the men's book club. He was the director of The Colonie Town Library for almost 30 years. Colonie is the town where I grew up! Small world!
This is an ornament (on the right) we gave to him a while back. Soon I will be using it for me!
