Texas Here We Come

Leaving for Tx in the morning for 5 days. Spankey is safely tucked away at the doggy hotel. Lynne, Johnny and Scout are packed into carry on bags and Joe and I are ready to go. Just bought the biggest purse I could find, that and one carry on should keep me happy for 5 days. I even got one bottle of Almond Champagne in my bag, hope I don't hit any bumps along the way, what a mess that could make. But after all we will be there on New Years Eve and Almond Champagne is Joe's favorite. It is amazing how much you can get in one small bag.

Time with my boys and their families, just about the best vacation I can imagine, except for Hawaii this summer with all of us, that is going to be the best. Love those kids.

Scout was in Tx this summer and all her "friends" are anxiously waiting to see her. You have got to love FB, keeps you informed as to what your grandkids are up to. How could she have so many boys in Tx that are her friends, she was only there one week? Oh the glories of being 17. Next entry will be from Tx.

Post Script: Ooops, What was I thinking, I know you can't take more than 6 oz of liquid in your carry on, so bye bye Champagne, hope someone enjoyed it.

Look at that angelic face, could that dog ever do anything wrong?

Never!




Pattie took him home to dog sit for a week so we could all go to Texas and visit the boys.

Now he is a hunter, and he does need to mark his territory and he is quite strong for a little dog, so I guess there were no surprises when he tried and almost succeeded at killing her cat, eating the cat food, peeing and pooping all over her house and generally speaking just being a normal dog. I was on my way to Murrietta at 5:45 a.m this morning to rescue Pattie, and save Spankey's from a possible execution.

Poor baby, he is so tired, warn out, Pattie kept him up all night. Spankey is now sleeping on the couch and snoring like a drunken sailor.

Lynne has 36 hours to find a kennel for the week.

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us". And this is Christmas, God wrapped His incredible love for us in Jesus and gave Him to us for a Christmas present.


May this present bring "Joy to the World", as we listen to the "Angels We Have Heard on High", as they "Go Tell It on the Mountain that Jesus Christ is Born", on this "O Holy Night".

Keep a song in your heart this Christmas.

The storms are gone leaving behind a blanket of snow on the mountain tops, crystal clear sky and winter warm 75 degrees. California at it's best. Snow covered mountains, sand and surf, fabulous shopping and a family extraordinaire. Within 2 hours you could be in Big Bear skiing, or half hour to the beach, walking on the sand and enjoying the cool breeze, the sound of the waves crashing on the shore and watching a spectacular sunset.

Just got back from the Brea Mall, only crazy people shop on Christmas Eve. I love it, the crowds, no parking and endless lines. Something about all the hustle and bustle that I find to be exhilarating.
KWVE is playing the most beautiful Christian Christmas music all day and tonight Christmas Eve services at Calvary, then our family tradition, Hungarian Chicken Paprikash with Lynne, Johnny and Scout. Johnny and I made Creme Brulee, two kinds, heavy cream for one and egg nog for the second one. He is becoming a really great chef. Tomorrow he is also bringing his "famous" mange salsa and chips. Can't beat that.

Today I feel sorry for anyone who isn't me!

Newport Balboa 102nd Boat Parade

O.C. at it's best!



Christmas in the pouring down rain, sailing on the Catalina Flier through Balboa Bay, looking at Christmas lights and enjoying the 102nd Annual Boat Parade. It was just one of those spectacular evenings, cold, rainy, on the water looking at Newport's best homes decorated for Christmas. No one in Balboa knows we are in the midst of a financial recession,they spared no expenses decorating.


Californian's are definitely weather wimps and so the pouring down rain kept a lot of people home, no crowds. Tonight was the last night of this seasons Boat Parade, ending in a huge fireworks show over the bay.

From small Duffy's decorated with lights to luxurious yachts covered in gorgeous Christmas scenes. There was Noah's Ark, a lavender colored castle, Santa, Snow Men, and even a boat full of college kids singing karaoke Christmas Carols.

"Santa Baby, I've been really good this year",--- I am a simple girl, I don't need a fancy yacht or a big mansion, but I wouldn't mind a little Duffy to cruse around the bay in, and maybe a home on the water front with a dock, and a cute little golf cart to drive around the Island in and the wardrobe to fit the life style. Thanks Santa.

Christmas Lights in OC

Everyone who owns a model T or a vintage car was out tonight cruising the streets of Brea to enjoy the beauty of homes decorated for the season. From little children being pulled along the path in their wagons decorated with bright colored lights, to a golf cart pulling a large wagon full of guest, even a dog with a leash of lights out for his evening walk. Brea was the night spot for our Saturday evening outing.

Hot chocolate for $1.00, decorated Christmas cookies for sale and free candy canes, you can't beat this for a fun night on a cold crisp preChristmas evening. My pick for the winner of the Burdetta award was the young boy playing Christmas Carols on his keyboard in front of his beautifully decorated home while collecting a bucket full of dollar bills as tips. The walkers were enjoying a sing along and the drivers rolled their windows down to enjoy music. Happy people having fun. If this doesn't get you in the Christmas spirit, you would have to be a Scrooge.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

It's the most wonderful time of the year.



Maybe the malls were decorated with Christmas cheer before Halloween and the radio was playing Christmas Carols before Thanksgiving, but I am a bit of a traditionalist.
Nothing in my house goes up until after Thanksgiving.

December 1, today it is officially the Christmas season at the Honescko house. Just dug out my piano music for Christmas Carols (simplified) and Crystal Cooper's CD, "It's An Old Fashion Christmas." Haven't had outdoor lights for several years. Thanks Johnny.

Today Christmas Carols are softly playing, cranberry bread is baking in the oven filling the house with the aroma of Christmas and I am going to read a the Christmas story from the book of Luke every day this week.

Thanksgiving Day

America is the only country in the world to celebrate Thanksgiving Day. Today is a day to reflect on what God has done in our families, our lives and our country. No matter what our political views are or whether or not we are an active believers in God, we cannot deny today as apart of the very foundation of America. Our founding fathers set aside one day to give glory to God for His protection, His guidance and their prosperity. They began life in America dependent on God Almighty, acknowledging and trusting Him for their very survival. And that is where I want to live my life, depending on God, trusting and acknowledging His work in my life.

2 Chronicles 7:14 tells us, " If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land.

America wake up, we are not great, we serve a great God.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

The Day Before Thanks Giving

If we set aside one day of the year to say thanks to God for all the blessing in our lives, then why shouldn't we also have one day to wallow in our self pity? One day when we can truly feel sorry for ourselves and be sad, one day of "all about me". Yes that is what today is going to be for me. The day before Thanksgiving.

I even found a scripture to justify my self centered Pity Party. James 4:9, "Be afflicted, weep, mourn, wail, turn your laughter into mourning and your joy into gloom." Now how is that for misinterpreting scripture.

Poor Poor Pitiful Me! Thanksgiving without my boys and seven of the grand kids. Tomorrow I promise to be grateful.

How to Make Your Mother Cry

It was definitely a conspiracy. They were all in on it, from Texas to California, not one of them even gave a hint. Talked to Paul on the phone, nothing, FB, no hints, Lynne just made sure I was home and had no plans, nothing unusual. We went to Lynne's open house at her new school, fabulous new location, great teachers, awesome kids, God is really blessing her school. After the open house everyone in our family was coming over for homemade pizza, something they all love to make.

Never is everyone available, there is always a teen social event that takes precedence over grandmas house. They never do that. But not this time, every one was coming. Johnny came home with me from the open house to help get dinner ready, he never does that and Joe sat in the living room where he could look out the window, he never does that, and I was busy in the kitchen, I always do that.

Dinner almost ready, pizzas in the oven and home made cream puffs filled with lemon curd ready for dinner. No low cal stuff for us today.

In walked Joey ready for his pizza! He had to be in L.A. tomorrow for business so he came a day early to spend some time with his mommy. It doesn't get much better than that.

And that is what makes a mother cry, tears of surprise and joy.

Clean and Fresh

Everybody has a favorite color. Blue is peaceful and tranquil, red makes a statement, yellow is the color of sunshine and joy, then there is black. Gothics seem to choose black as their favorite color, it expresses a certain grief, hopelessness, depression. Black can also be classic, everyone woman owns one little black dress that she can dress up and wear anywhere, and black is slimming, something we can all use.

My favorite color is Navajo White. Yes at this Thanksgiving season I am truly thankful for Navajo White. This is one of those colors that always blends, my dad painted everything N W 60 years ago, he knew what was easy and here I am following in his footsteps. Easy, simple and quick.

I only do deep cleaning when I am having company any other time surface cleaning is good enough. I discovered years ago that the best way to clean is a fresh coat of paint, especially if you are covering the old with the same exact color. Anyone coming to my house this Thanksgiving will notice how clean and fresh my baseboards look. Took less than 2 hours to do the entire downstairs. Navajo White baseboard forever.

At 70 it isn't difficult to paint the baseboards, but it is almost impossible to get up once you have been sitting on the floor for any length of time.

Election Reflection

November 3, the day after!

Mass. sends Barney Franks back to Washington, Nevada reinstates Harry Reid and California's Barbara Boxer was restored to her seat, she is off to represent me. America has a representative style government, everyone can't possibly go to Washington and vote for every issue, so we elect representatives to vote for us. As my representative Barbara Boxer will be casting my vote, expressing values, ethics and beliefs in my name, she was elected to represent me!

That is why my hope is not on this life, this nation, I cannot trust in politicians. Hebrews 9 tells me that Jesus is my High Priest, He sits at the right hand of God the Father representing me.

I vote for Jesus to be my High Priest. As my High Priest He paid for my sins and I am freed from the power of sin. He will empower me to walk in his victory. Barbara Boxer goes back to Washington to represent me in the Senate and Jesus entered into heaven to be my Advocate before God the Father. I am well represented where it really counts.

The L.A. Times finally got it right, love this quote:

"Frankly, I don't know what it is about California, but we seem to have a
strange urge to elect really obnoxious women to high office. I'm not
bragging, you understand, but no other state, including Maine, even comes
close. When it comes to sending left-wing dingbats to Washington, we're
number one.
There's no getting around the fact that the last time anyone
saw the likes of Barbara Boxer, Dianne Feinstein, and Nancy Pelosi, they
were stirring a cauldron when the curtain went up on 'Macbeth'. The
three of them are like jackasses who happen to possess the gift of blab.
You don't know if you should condemn them for their stupidity or simply
marvel at their ability to form words."

Burt Prelutsky - Columnist, Los Angeles Times

Now we just have to convince the voters!

Love my country, fear my leader.

Sometimes life is a bit overwhelming, another drive by shooting, random terrorist bombing, child abuse, political corruption. Just as I think it is hopeless, I watched the world unite with one goal, to save the lives of 33 trapped miners. Putting all differences aside there was unity. The best engineers in the world put their knowledge together, gathering equipment from all over the world, a cable from a ski lift in Germany, drilling equipment from American, T.V. coverage from the pit to the top, even sunglasses donated by Oakley. The world prayed, the families hoped, the engineers worked, the children waited, and it all came together. When they brought up miner # 14 and his son opened the door of the capsule to let his father come out there wasn't a dry eye in my house. The President said the eyes of the world watched as they were rescued, but we all know that "the eyes of the Lord go to and fro through out the whole world looking for those who trust in Him." The book "The Survival Game" tells us that the number one tool for survival is Faith in God. Thank you God for the beautiful rescue.

How soon before the movie is out?

These Boots Were Made for Walking

Fall, wonderful cooling temperatures, light afternoon breezes, beautiful fall foliage as we watch the trees change from green to yellow and then to bright red. Yes we have colorful trees in California too, top picture was taken just a few miles from my house. All of those who live in climates that have been in the triple digits welcome fall. Hot summer nights where you can barely breathe, humid sultry afternoons, you are ready for a change.

Fall glorious fall, a season to celebrate.

Each person has a special reason to fall in love with fall. My reason for loving fall might be just a little different from most. I love it because of the boots. Yes the boots. At the beginning of summer the retail stores all know that it is best to clean out last season shoes to make room for chic summer fashion. It is the wise shopper who finds this the best time to shop.

For months now I have been waiting to flaunt my find and now it is time. Now I can dig out my trendy smart fall clothes that have been tucked in the back of the closet for months. Now I can wear those boots I bought in the middle of summer on the mark down table in the back of the shoe store.

Fall glorious fall fashions.

Today I am not feeling well. My head is throbbing my emotions are on edge, I will probably find some random reason to burst into tears. I also think I am coming down with something terminal, yes, it is just a really horrible day. And it is all the fault of Nicholas Sparks, I started reading Dear John yesterday after noon and I pulled an all nighter. Haven't done that in years, and now I probably won't live long enough to ever do it again, or maybe I will learn the foolishness of such behavior and not ever do that again.

Savanna looked up at the full moon and said good night to John and I looked at the sun coming up and said good morning. Finished the book at 6 a.m. Right now I am not sure if I really love Nicholas Sparks or if I really hate the man. Such mindless dribble, but truly addictive.

Celebrating "70" with three old ladies. Now I am really a senior, not almost a senior, not close, but SENIOR!

While the world is celebrating the movie "Eat Pray Love" with Julia Roberts, I had my version, Eat Pray and Love with Pattie and Bobbie. Eat at great restaurants every day for a week, each time ending with a birthday serenade and special desert. Claim Jumper wins the birthday cake contest with their Red Velvet cupcake served warm.
Pray, we prayed together thanking God for such wonderful lives, the power of prayer and the source of prayer, Jesus Christ.
Love, growing old surrounded by loved ones makes this truly the abundant life.

At 70 it is time to set some new goals for life. Short term goals and long term goals. This year I am going to write a Cook Book, Farmers Market cook book with all healthy recipes using fresh vegetables and fruits from Joe's Farmers Markets. By age 75 Joe and I just might retire and get a van equipped with YFI and go to all the National Parks, or maybe just follow Guy Fieri from Diners, Drive-ins and Dives from coast to coast. And on my 80th Birthday maybe we'll take a bicycle tour through Paris.

No,70 is not the new 50, nor is it the new 60, it is 70 and that is something to embrace!

Date Night for Seniors

Okay Seniors this is a winner. I just found a great Date Night for Seniors and there were very few Senior there. Filled with young couples and kids having a great time. Great food, fabulous music, all around fun place to spent an evening. Downtown Disney! Free parking for 3 hours, 5 hours with validation, last night there were music groups in three separate areas, a violin player named Drew close to Brennans, he was spectacular and a Latin band down by The Rain Forest Cafe.

Sit outside and enjoy coffee and a Beignet, try a Jalapeno Pretzel or enjoy dinner at any number of really great restaurants. Brennan's is my all time favorite, their food is amazing. Lynne had Pecan Crusted Salmon and I enjoyed a Crawfish salad. Joe and Johnny both had fillet with dirty rice and fried green tomatoes. Be sure to order one Chocolate Souffle to share, one souffle with 4 forks please.

The fireworks show from Disney can easily be seen from any area in Downtown. It begins around 9:30, during the summer it is a little later.

You never outgrown your need to be childlike.

Date Night For Seniors

Catch a Bubble If You Can

2010 Concerts on the Green

Free Fabulous Fun

Most Seniors are faced with limited finances, less energy and diminished abilities, so these events are ideal.
Retirement has been described as "twice the time--half the money".

Tonight was the opening night for the Cypress Pops and they had a full house.


Cyprus Pops is similar to the Hollywood Bowl, but on a much smaller scale, talented musicians, open air seating and picnics dinners. Two hours of Pops music under the stars. The biggest difference is that this event has free parking, free admission and it is only a short drive from home.

We sat on the grass, under the oak trees in perfect outdoor weather. Bring a folding chair, a blanket and an ice chest and sit back, relax and enjoy the music.


There was a medley featuring the Wood Winds playing Midnight Sun, Pink Panther, followed by Sing Sing Sing feature the percussion section, and a tribute to Gershwin-- Porgy and Bess, Rhapsody in Blue, the list of his hits is endless and his music is timeless.


Meals on Wheels is our choice for food, we are a little bit on the food snob side so we like to make our own dinner. Meals on Wheels for us is an ice chest on wheels with a retractable handle, be sure to buy one with a pocket on the out side for dry goods, napkins or any paper goods. Dinner was cut raw vegetables with a Blue Cheese dip, pita pastrami and Swiss cheese sandwiches and ice cold cokes. No alcohol is allowed in the park, however, there were lots of wine glasses filled with red or white something.

Children playing and dancing to the music, couples eating dinner under the stars, elderly groups out for the evening. Bubble blowing devices were in abundance with the small children.

Everyone who brought their dog had serious regrets when the Pops Orchestra ended the concert with Tchaikovski's Overture of 1812, it concludes with 5 cannon shots, (and they had a real cannon) dogs are just spooked by very loud noises.

Next concert June 19, look for us there! Classic rock by the group "Don't Stop Believin".

Presented by Cypress Recreation 5275 Orange Ave. Cypress

Salmon Slaw Salad

Egg roll wrappers baked in muffin pan 350 for 10 minutes

Kicking back watching the Angels game.

Great predinner snack.


Make cups for salad:
Spray muffin pan with Pam. Line with egg roll wrappers and bake at 350 for 10 minutes.


Mix together:
Finely grade 1/4 head cabbage to make slaw.
Add 1/2 cup mangoes, chopped.
2 green onions, chopped.
1/4 cup prepared roasted red pepper chopped.
1/4 cup fried mushrooms.
2 T finely chopped cilantro.
4 T soy sauce

Crumble 1 cooked small salmon fillet into small chunks and add to mix.

Spoon into egg roll cups and serve.

Super Simple Chocolate Explosions Cup Cakes

One box Dunken Hines Chocolate Cake mix prepared according to direction. Pour mixture into cupcake pans filling half way, add 2 T Smuckers Caramel Topping and sprinkle with 1 T chopped walnuts, top with remaining cake mix and bake according to direction. As soon as you take the cup cakes out of the oven, while they are sill warm, pour another 2 T of Carmel Topping over the cake, they will absorb the caramel topping. After cool, pour chocolate frosting over the top and sprinkle with very finely chopped walnuts.

Chicken Quesadilla

3 chicken thighs
Cut chicken thighs into small pieces, roll in bread crumbs (Progresso Italian Bread Crumbs are best), and fry in olive oil

Saute:
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup diced yellow pepper
1/2 cup diced onions
1 glove garlic, minced

Add 1 T. red wine vinegar

Warm whole wheat tortillas in Pam coated frying pan.

Layer with:

Salsa - We like Pace Salsa right off the market shelf.
Diced tomatoes, preferably Heirloom tomatoes, we are growing these in our yard.
Avocado, sliced
Gorgonzola Cheese

Cover half of the tortilla with mixture and fold over.


Serve with Watermelon chunks.

Grilled Tilapia with Mango Chutney

Mango Chutney

1/2 cup frozen mango chopped
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/4 cup diced yellow pepper
capers
chopped basil
1 small tomatoe, chopped
1/4 cup chopped green onion

Marinade Tilapia in Soy Sauce for one hour.

Using a cast iron grilling pan, sprayed with Pam and a little olive oil, grill Tilapia on each side for 3 minutes.


Serve with grilled zucchini, brushed with soy sauce and fresh corn sprayed with "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter".

Super Week in Texas with Family

Andrew and Dylan modeling their Angels Snuggies

Andrew twisting himself into a pretzel.

Family saying good bye, see you this summer!

We're going where!!!!! Hawaii

Week long Rummy Tournament

Honescko Family Chefs making dinner.

Visited Frisco Texas for one week.




Seven grand kids, two sons and great daughters inlaw.

Apparently Texas doesn't appreciate Chocolate Covered Bacon I will have to save it for California. Top picture---Andrew and Dylan modeling their Angels Snuggies, Andrew twisting himself into a pretzel, the whole Texas family saying goodbye, followed by kids reading their invitation to Hawaii for next summer, all 16 of us are going for Joe and Burdetta's 50th wedding anniversary, I think they are a little bit excited. Week long Rummy tournament and the Honescko family chefs making dinner.

Fabulous Family Fun!

Chocolate Covered Bacon Bits

Chocolate Covered Bacon










Fry 1 lb thick sliced bacon until crisp.
Pat on paper towels to remove excess fat.
Cool and break bacon into small pieces.

Melt 8 oz Ghirardelli chocolate bits over a double boiler, be very careful not to get any water in the chocolate,
add 1/2 t cinnamon
1/4 cup caramel sauce

Layer bacon in a Pam coated baking dish and pour melted chocolate over.

Refrigerate for about 1 hour, break into small pieces.