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.