Dining at the Swesey’s with Gil/Christy

This was our left overs night with Gil & Christy. We almost didn’t get to get in a visit.. Gil & Christy are from the Phoenix area and have their vacation home here in the keys. They arrived the day after Christmas. And you know our schedule is always, something happening!! Christy had called us on Thursday evening while we were out and we were going to leave for T & T’s cabin on Saturday, so if we were going to get a visit in, we were going to need to do it on Friday.. So I called Christy on Friday and it would work out wonderfully for them to be here!!!
Nothing fancy for dinner, left over Prime Rib that I made into some hot beef sandwiches/fresh shrimp salad and we were good to go.. A few glasses of wine some good food with some good friends, what more could someone ask for??
Happy New Year!!!

 

After Christmas 2012/Dinner with Bill/Eva

Eva called us on Christmas Eve to invite us over to their vacation home (one day their retirement home) they have at Hidden Valley Lake for Thursday after Christmas. Eva and Bill are from the LA area and try to come and visit as much as they can, however this year was not a good travel year for them. This was the one and only trip they were able to make this year, 2012!! So we were extra excited to get to spend time with them. We did have two occasions to see them during this holiday season.. They also came to our Moose Christmas Party!
Eva & Bill greeted us with open arms as well as their cutest little Yorkie (5lbs) Mickey Blues.. cutest little guy.. Our friend, Charles also attended this mini reunion. Eva served up some delicious soup as well as a lovely pasta.. We had a pleasant evening and visit..

Christmas Night.. pArTy fEsT

As I mentioned in the earlier post, Christmas is here every year in a “minute”! This year was no different. I couldn’t believe how Christmas Day was a whirlwind! I didn’t want it to end! So the ones that were left after dinner.. We continued Christmas into the following day into the wee hours of the  morning.. 3:30am for Lindsy and I.. Christmas was very enjoyable, it lasted much longer than it usually does.
I guess it started with shots at the bar about 8:30 or so.. Chris my son in law started it, by encouraging Jeff & Cesar and soon Lindsy and I and Carrie & Jason.. Ok so now we are on a roll.. Fired up the Karaoke Machine.. Be happy I didn’t video w/sound and share this with you!! I guess you might say, “You had to be here to really enjoy”.. We started loosing partiers about 1130pm.. Ev was first.. Not sure after that who went next, just know Lindsy & I were the last ones to go to bed and it was 3:30am 12/26/12..

pArTy fEsT 12/25/12 VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Everyone was slow to rise on Wednesday morning, all except Colin and he was awake poking his Mom at 6:30am, 3 hours after she had gone to bed.. eek.. I heard him about 7:30 and got up with him.. Dragging my A—! At least I didn’t drink too much! No sleep was bad enough.. By the time everyone was up it was nearly 9:30 and Ev and I had breakfast ready to eat.. (The morning after, OMG) Soon after eating most of them were packing up and driving back home.. Where I am sure it was a “TV” day.. Carrie & Jason were the last to leave here about 2pm.. And from there I went to the couch and stayed.. A Very memorable Christmas, with happy thoughts. We are so blessed to have the BEST family/friends!! Love you all!!

Christmas 2012

Imagine we are already Christmas of 2012! Wasn’t it just 1995? a few days ago? It just amazes me to how time just passes so quickly!! Time?? When we were young (like kids) it took forever for Christmas to come every year!! Now it gets here “over night”?? Right??  
Christmas at the Swesey’s was wonderful!! Over the course of Christmas Eve & Christmas Day, we had so much fun! We had Ev’s nieces, Cheri and Ali early Christmas Eve day till late afternoon Christmas Day. Great visit! Christmas Eve we also had a few friends, Lee & Laura, Charles &Tim..

Linda/Cheri/Ali/Ev with Ripley/Kaylee (12/25/12)

Charles/Linda/Tim (12/24/12)

We woke up Christmas morning with Cheri & Ali.. We had a nice gift opening and enjoyed each other’s company.
Soon we, Cheri and I were busy getting ready for our guests that were due to arrive about 2pm. Cheri helped me considerably Christmas Day.. Thank God I had her here to help me.. She prepared much of the horderves and I dressed the tables and did other things..
2pm crept up on us quick! But we were ready for them!
Ev did the potatoes I got the prime rib ready, so we could enjoy our family and friends!
Lindsy/Chris/Colin/Jeff/Cesar/Janet/Bob/Carrie/Jason and us all enjoyed our gift exchange and horderves!!  
Colin is the most exciting to watch!! We are his 4th Christmas! And he is still excited about all his gifts!! Precious! We got him a remote control BIG truck! He loved it!! My wood furniture took a heck of a beating! Oh well we will look back at the scares and remember the great times!! As we opened gifts Charles & Tim came in.. We had a special treat this year, Rob & Gayle joined us too for the first time..  Too bad Rob/Gayle/Charles/Tim didn’t stick around for the “party fest” to follow.. Next post..

Christmas 2012 VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Our Grandchildren 12/23/12

Moose Christmas Party 12/22/12

Here it is almost Christmas, only a few days away.. The Moose hosts an annul Christmas Party w/dinner/music.
We invited Jim/Shirley/Al/Betty to come by the house before going to the Moose party to have a cocktail with us here at the house. Al & Betty missed our Christmas Party the first part of December so we were happy they were able to come up and enjoy all the decorations and a drink.

Pre-Party at the Swesey's VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

We had our drinks and took some cute shots at the house and then we were off to the Moose Christmas Party.
We arrived in time to get a drink and get seated before our dinner would be served. Prime Rib was the Christmas dinner at the Moose. John Z was on the stage playing some lovely music as he always so graciously does..
The kitchen crew did a great job on the Prime Rib dinner! Fun time was had by all!!

Moose Christmas Party Pics VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Christmas with Jim & Shirley

Oh last minute me, called Jim & Shirley and asked them to come for dinner here on Thursday evening 12/20 and they said they would love to!! Yipeee..
I really kind of wanted to do some experimental cooking that night and they were my guinea pigs..  
We started out the evening in the bar with Martini’s and Ev having his every infamous Rob Roy.

Meanwhile I had started dinner before they arrived. I was serving Roasted Pork Tenderloin with a rub and fresh rosemary on top, while it baked for 35 minutes. Then I made this lovely light sauce with chicken broth, canned whole cranberry, fresh rosemary, onion, simmered and reduced it. I was also serving rosemary potatoes (potatoes cut into 4 wedges, olive oil, salt/pepper and fresh rosemary). Salad was romaine lettuce, apples, dried cranberries, green onion and some walnuts topped with a raspberry dressing.. uummm and some cranberry muffins.. The pork tenderloin was cooked to perfection, tenderrrrr… and the light sauce over the top of it was delic!! You could cut it with your fork it was so tender and the flavor was outstanding..
Jim & Shirley said to me at one point cause they had taken us to dinner last month at the Boars Breath in Middletown, that he was embarrassed that their food didn’t even come close to what we had served them tonight.. I thought was such a wonderful compliment!! Our dinner at the Boars Breath was great!! no complaints here!! I was in heaven after paying me such a wonderful compliment! And it really was wonderful!!
You two are pretty special yourselves!! Merry Christmas!!

ORGANIZATIONS and the PHONE

If you belong to an organization, such as the Moose/Elks/Eagles, etc.. It is usually the same people always working in the kitchen cooking. Or the same person sitting at the cashier desk, etc.. sure you get the idea… Another little bit of philosophy for you.
First of all you have to know “how to use a phone”, you would be surprised “how many people don’t” or are afraid of it or feel that they need to do all work and be the martyr! and then cry “Poor Me’..
First of all when you belong to an “ORGANZATION”, key word being “ORGANIZATION”, that means there is other people that belong and they joined because they want to “BELONG”.. They may only want to belong because they want the cheap prices on the drinks at the bar or for the wonderful food and wonderful prices they get as perks for being part of the “ORGANIZATION” a “member” if you will.
Then there is the “member” that needs a bit of coaxing to help out in other areas, such as the kitchen, cashier, table setting, etc.. Here is where “how to use the phone” comes in.. You get a phone list of the membership, go down the list and start calling. Just remember that these people joined and they are a “member” of the same ‘ORGANIZATION” you are. They really do want to be a part of the “ORGANIZATION”.. maybe they can’t help work, however they may need to be invited down for a dinner, maybe they felt nervous cause they don’t know anyone, but, now they know you..
For the “Member” that say’s yes to coming down and helping set the tables you have made great headway.. So while he/she is there, you ask them if they could come and help set up next week for the dinner/breakfast, they may say yes or no. But don’t stop there! Think of possibly another event and ask them to be a cashier or table setting (Write it down).. Now this person has helped with table setting, cashiering, now maybe cause this person is now comfortable with his surroundings, he may say “ I could probably do a small dinner” if I had your help? or you may ask this person to help you with a dinner/breakfast/lunch etc.. Pretty much you are asking this person to be your “friend” and people that belong to an “ORGANIZATION” want a sense of belonging. Whether it is helping out or just being a patron. People like to see familiar faces.. Make them feel welcome..

Designate at the Christmas Dinner table

Here is a little philosophy for you…

Years ago I found myself doing most of the clean up after Christmas Dinner was over.. I would start clearing while most everyone sat at the table while I worked around them.. I would get so upset that no one just volunteered to help.. After years and years of this I finally said to different family/friends that had attended, “could you please get the plates cleared scarped and ready to go into the dishwasher" ? Another couple of people asked them to please bring in the left over food, etc… I found that if you “designate/ask” your guests to help, they feel more included. Not always do people just know what to do, but if you “direct” them, they are usually more than happy to help. And now that you have all this help, you have brought the party into the kitchen with you, or you can sit down and enjoy the festivities at the table..
I hope this helps you this Christmas or for future dinner parties you may have.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!!

 

Gift Exchange at Lynn & Larry 12/18/12

First of all you can’t imagine the “shock” we (Rich, Judy, Ev and I) were all in when Lynn offered to cook dinner and host our Christmas Gift Exchange at their house!!!! OMG! LOL!!
Larry & Lynn I am sure did some last minute decorating after inviting us up for dinner and the gift exchange. House looked so darn cute! Larry of course was the perfect bartender.. Had a bottle of Jack Daniels that must be 50 plus years old!!
Lynn served up a wonderful Spaghetti! She made a wonderful sauce, she “shocked” me again.. twice in one week is a bit much! Spaghetti, salad, garlic bread uummm.. good.. Their table was set so pretty and festive. She told us that she had packed up all the Christmas table decorations cause she was going to give them away, but then had to unpack them.. cute.. Everyone was so nice.. Thank you Larry & Lynn for hosting that wonderful party.. We loved every minute.. Feisty (the cat) loved the packages too!!

Larry & Lynn Christmas Gift Exchange VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Swesey’s Annual Christmas Newsletter

 

Read our Newsletter, click on this link>>
http://www.clearlakevacationsonline.com/2012/newsletter_2012.pdf

Maxwell Inn for Judy’s Birthday

We made reservations at the Maxwell Inn to celebrate Judy’s birthday a bit early. Her birthday is really the day after Christmas and she won’t be here.
The Maxwell Inn is located in?? yes Maxwell, CA. It’s about an hour’s drive from Clearlake Oaks. Maxwell is about 7 miles north on I-5 after our journey down Hwy 20.
We usually start off with Martini’s and then go to wine at the table. While enjoying our martini’s Judy opens her gifts. She loves the part of opening the gifts..
When we got back to town, we stopped off at the local bar, The Barn..
Happy Birthday Judy.. Had a wonderful time!!

Judy's Birthday at the Maxwell Inn VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Martin Annual Christmas Party/Toy Drive

We have enjoyed Ron & Brenda Martin’s Christmas Parties the last few years. They serve wonderful food!! Brenda makes up all the horderves all by herself. She insists! Ok so we get to enjoy them all.. Love it!
Our hosts Ron & Brenda have been hosting a Christmas party for many years, the only thing they ask of their guests is to donate a toy for the “toys for tots” charity.
Another Great time at the Martin’s Christmas Party.. what do they say?? “A picture is worth a thousand words”? Well there are lots of pictures, so there is no need in me saying another word!! Merry Christmas Everyone!!

Martin Christmas Party 2012 VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

★ ° . .　　　　.　☾ °☆ 　. * ● ¸ .　　　★　° :.　 . • ○ ° ★　 .　 *　.　　　　　　. 　 ° 　. ● .　　　　° ☾ °☆ 　¸. ● .　　★　　★ ° ☾ ☆ ¸. ¸ 　★　 :.　 . • ○ ° ★　 .　 *　.　.　　¸ .　　 ° 　¸. * ● ¸ .　　　　° ☾ ° 　¸. ● ¸ .　　★　° :.　 . • ° 　 .　 *　:.　.　¸ . ● ¸ 　　　★　　★☾ °★ . 　　　　.　 °☆ 　. ● ¸ .　　　★　° .　 • ○ ° ★　 .　　　　　　　*　.　 ☾ ° 　¸. * ● ¸ 　　　　° ☾ °☆ 　. * ¸.　　　★　　You have been sprinkled with Christmas Snow, Peace, Love, & Happiness! Now go forth and sprinkle other people too!★ ° . .　　　　.　☾ °☆ 　. * ● ¸ .　　　★　° :.　 . • ○ ° ★　 .　 *　.　　　　　　. 　 ° 　. ● .　　　　° ☾ °☆ 　¸. ● .　　★　　★ ° ☾ ☆ ¸. ¸ 　★　 :.　 . • ○ ° ★　 .　 *　.　.　　¸ .　　 ° 　¸. * ● ¸ .　　　　° ☾

Photo Card

View the entire collection of cards.

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=xBcNWjJo0ZtXGw&cid=SFLYOCWIDGET

Colin’s visit To Santa

Today was our day to sleep in and be laxadazele.. sort of..
We got up and dress and left Lindsy & Chris house about 11am. Stopped at Radio shack got a new “iphone” with internet!! The kids said to us “welcome to the 21st century””..
Now we are going to downtown to have lunch at McNears and to Santa..
We will be going home on Monday.. Need to get over this cold..

Colin’s “Dear Santa” Letter..

 

 

Phil & Toni’s Olive Picking Party 12/8/12

We arrive a bit late on Saturday morning for the Olive picking. We were watching Colin for Lindsy & Chris. Lindsy had to work and Chris was doing “shop with a cop”. He escorted 2 six year olds to Target for Christmas presents. How cute that must have been .
As we drove up to Phil & Toni’s we saw bodies over in the Olive grove, picking.. We parked and walked over and started picking. I am not sure how many of us there were, but I would guess probably about 25-30. Lots of familiar faces and faces that I hadn’t seen in many years. It was great seeing everyone!!!
We all worked picking for only few hours and then it was done! Phil & Toni have about 100 trees. Maybe about half the trees had Olives. The others go through a dormancy and produce every other year or so.. So we probably picked about 50 or so trees. Total weight of the olives was 904 pounds and it will yield about 11 gallons give or take of Olive Oil.. pretty cool.
Phil barb-q’ed up a mess of tri-tip/sausages/hot dogs. Toni had a buffet table set up with 4 different soups she prepared along with numerous salads, goodies and more! One heck of a great food spread!! We ate all afternoon!! Everything was soo good!!
They both are wonderful cooks!! Thanks Guys had a great time! You two are awesome! Looking forward to fishing in May at Eagle Lake!!
Ripley our little dog was fascinated with the olives, we couldn’t keep him out of them! There were bunches of kids and dogs!! Great family day..

We also were invited to see the crush the next day (Sunday), but we declined. Both Ev and I were suffering with this dam cold. The next day (Sunday) was the crush at McEvoys out on “D” street at 9am.. we were pretty worn out, so we opted out of not going.. We would have loved to see the process..maybe next year??

Phil & Ev picking the olives, above

Olive Picking 12/8/12 VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Sister Kim’s daughter Michelle’s Homecoming

Kim & John met Michelle in Las Vegas earlier this week. Michelle flew in from Hawaii (she lives there).
On Thursday they flew back home via SFO to Petaluma.
Kim & John planned a barb-q for the homecoming, inviting family & friends. When we arrived they already had a full house! Must have already been 15 plus people there. John was busy cooking and sister Kim was entertaining and looked quite exhausted from the weeks adventures I am sure. She weathered pretty well. I am sure Saturday was spent relaxing and catching up on some much needed rest!
John cooked up some barb-q chicken and a whole mess of spaghetti! He had enough spaghetti for about 50 people or more!
Michelle was very happy to see everyone. She was visiting with everybody having a wonderful time. We called it an early evening and went back to Lindsy’s.. Have a busy day on Saturday! Olive Picking Party!!

Michelle's homecoming VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

A Special Date Day with Eveee :)

We arrived about 6:30 on Thursday night at Lindsy & Chris.. They had dinner pretty much ready.. We sat down and had a cocktail and talked of the events of the day. We retired early, Ev and I were pretty tired had had a long day.
Friday morning was busy at the Jacob resident, Colin getting ready for school, Chris and Lindsy getting ready for work. Then there was Ev and I.. we could take our time as we didn’t have to be any place at a certain time today, other than hopefully to make the movie we had planned to see mid day in downtown Petaluma. While getting ready, Ev couldn’t find his suit case of clothes?? Apparently he left them home..
So we decided we could go to Kohls to get what he needed.. it was only about 10am and the show didn’t start till 12:30. Plenty of time.. After Kohls we decided to run up to Santa Rosa to the Coddingtown Mall to Penneys to get a few things. Time was getting short and we still needed to get back to Petaluma and go to Kmart to get some cold meds, as we both were suffering with one. Then get to the Movie on time.. ok well at this point we were kind of rushing!! We managed to make all our stops and arrived at the downtown movie theater at 12:15 and the movie Lincoln didn’t start till 12:30pm.
The movie was wonderful!! We both LOVED It! It has been ages since we went to the movie!
After the show we went to the Yogurt shop and had one.. walked about the square where the outside Christmas Tree was. We took a few pictures and had a couple who was walking by take a couple pics of us..We walked around downtown Petaluma, did some shopping. Went through the Christmas store.. makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.. Love Christmas!! Downtown Petaluma is so festive, it was great. Ran into a woman I have known for many years that works at the Rex Hardware store, her name is Karen. Another long time acquaintance (high school days) Bobby Colins whom also works the hardware store.
After a wonderful day with hubby, now we are headed over to my sister Kim’s place for barb-q and welcome home party for her daughter Michelle, whom will go back home to Hawaii on Monday..

Date Day VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Bakers Retiree Luncheon

Early on in November our dear Friend Lee suffered a stroke. He was of course hospitalized. He suffered damage on his right side, for which it is all nearly come back after a grueling 3 weeks of therapy at John Muir in Walnut Creek.
After visiting him in early November at hospital he reminded me of the upcoming  retiree’s luncheon in December for which Lee is the President/secretary/treasurer/etc., he is the only officer.. surely something is wrong in this picture..??
There was no way he could get the letters/mailing out to the members, so I offered to take care of it. So before we left Walnut Creek that day we stopped by his house and picked up the needed supplies and information I needed to get a couple of letters typed up and mailed out to the membership (120 approx.) reminder of the upcoming luncheon December 6th at Francesco’s in Oakland.
Lee came home about a week before the luncheon so he was able to attend the luncheon. We left home early on Thursday morning so we could stop and pick up some Poinsettia's for raffle/gifts for the luncheon, picked up Lee from his place in Walnut Creek and drove over to Oakland to Francesco’s restaurant.
When we arrived at the restaurant it was all decorated so beautifully, very festive. We were in a private room for our group that had a lovely Christmas tree. I guess we probably had about 50 people at the luncheon. It turned out very nice..
We took Lee back home to Walnut Creek and then headed over to Lindsy & Chris in Petaluma for the busy weekend ahead!

Pictured left to right: Wesley, Lee, Everett, Linda and Roger
More photos of the event below

Retiree Luncheon VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL