I have been creative most of my life. I can honestly say I am never bored. There is so many things to do and I can always think of something to do. Most of the time I have too many things to do.
If there isn’t anything happening? I make things happen..
Be creative, write a blog, cook, organize something, wash windows, do some gardening, trim a tree, sculpt a tree
or a bush, etc.. be creative.. 
Looking over this picture below, I would probably remove #1), doesn’t apply.. 
When Ev and I were Jim & Shirley this past week (Thursday). We decided to have a dinner party over at Jim & Shirley’s on Sunday. They would host the party and I would cook. So we started calling some friends to see who could join us.. There would only be 8 of us.
Rudy & Faith and Jim & Jan would arrive with their motorhomes just before Ev and I on Sunday.
Jim & Shirley had everything so lovely! We had the party in the Barn.. They have a beautiful barn, you would love this barn! Loft upstairs filled with gorgeous treasures everywhere! Or room:
This is where we would entertain all our guests for dinner and brunch the next morning.
This barn also has a huge downstairs, where there is a “bar”, a sitting area with comfy furniture with wood burning stove, car parking in the same area. And that is only a small part of it. GREAT building! It was a gorgeous day! Ev and I had shorts on and everyone else had spring type clothing, except Jan and she thought it was winter I think.. She had a cute sweater and pants with stiletto heals.. she found that those shoes were probably not really good for walking on the uneven ground..She sure looked cute though..Soon she changed her shoes.. she still looked cute.. Wasn’t long and we all had some wine going on and then we went upstairs to get the potatoes going.. Our menu was Clam Chowder, bbq ribs, rosemary roasted potatoes (check my website for recipe)
http://www.clearlakevacationsonline.com/recipes/index.html
Homemade Lemon Meringue Pie (check my website for recipe), along with a nice green salad. Wine flowing freely, started with the clam chowder then to salad and dinner.w/wonderful cheeezzzee bread (Faith). We had quite a bit of left overs, as you can well imagine.. after the soup and salad, it was pretty much a done deal, everyone was full. We didn’t have room for dessert either.. uumm good food!
Rudy & Faith brought a fire pit, so we all went outside to sit by the fire.. made it nice and cozy.. Pretty soon Jim got the music going and we could hear him singing along with the cd.. well that perked my interest, love to karaoke.. soon we were in another part of the barn singing karaoke.. Jim, Rudy and Linda.. Faith and Shirley dancing.. fun fun!
A couple of hours of sitting by the fire and we started loosing person after person.. Wasn’t long and the rest of us said “Good night”..
Monday morning we all got going about 9am.. ready for the day.. coffee, fizzes and champagne.. Jim was ever so busy with making the fizzes. Blenders would freeze up he was making them so fast!! Good thing they had 3 or 4 blenders! Fizzes were wonderful! Shirley was making trips back and forth to the house about every 5 minutes to get something that was forgotten or needed from the house. Faith got her chili relleno casserole going (to die for, delicious!), J & S had some fruit cut up and Jan had brought her wonderful brandied pears she had canned..Another great meal.
We had had many fizzes, they are so rich! feeling a bit full already. Breakfast was a hit.. Champagne flowed during breakfast. I think by time we were done with breakfast there were many of us ready for a nap.. But we didn’t, we went back outside (another beautiful day) sat out and visited with each other.. Fun times.. Party broke up about 1..
Thanks Guys for a really fun time! We will have to do it again sometime!!
About a week before our anniversary Kelley (Jim & Shirley’s daughter) wanted to do something nice for her Mom’s birthday so she purchased a groupon at the Sonoma Coast Villa for a one nights stay for Feb 19th! We were out with Jim & Shirley and said that was our anniversary date would they mind if we joined them? Of course they said we would just love it! So we purchased a groupon and made our reservation!
We arrived at Jim & Shirley’s about 930am on the 19th.. There awaited us were their wonderful smiling faces and ready for the what the day would bring! We had a champagne toast and opened a lovely gift of wine glasses with a bottle of wine!
Jim had the van all clean and ready for us to embark. Jim was our chauffeur for our trip. We all were on our way in no time.
All of us talking about what was going to unfold that very day. The day was full of sunshine and happiness, so our adventure began!
We stopped at J & S daughters to drop off something for her in Santa Rosa and then off we went arriving in Occidental about noonish. We started at the Union Hotel for our first cocktail of the day, a bloody mary. Very good. However, the bartender didn’t seem to be to happy and she was a bit cold. They may want to rethink getting a bartender with a little more personality..?? From here we walk about the grounds to check them out, as it was possible we might have our lunch here.
We decided we really weren’t hungry yet and started walking about the town, visiting different shops. Shirley bought me this cute ring.. 
Then we landed at Negris for a cocktail and some appetizers. We had decided now that we would wait till about after we checked into our room and then go eat. Negris was nice. I had heard some not so good things about their food, so we weren’t planning on eating here. At this point we weren’t really sure where we would eat dinner.
So off we went to check into our Hotel..
Oh the Villa is gorgeous! When we arrived we went to check in.. and guess who couldn't find her “groupon” print out?? Of course it was me! DANG! Well it took me about an hour before I could get signed on the internet and get the darn thing.. whewww..
In this photo above I wasn’t sure who’s anniversary
it was?? 
All checked in.. woo hooo!! Our rooms were lovely.. Clearn and grounds were lovely! Very upscale Hotel..
We all had a drink and then we were deciding where to go for dinner? This was Wednesday evening? Not like it was Friday and it is winter, not the top of the tourist season.. ummm.. so we talked about some different places checked the internet, called a few places all closed! Dinucci’s, Stormy’s, aaahh the William Tell House in Tamales is open..
OMG the bar was packed when we arrived! and still full when we were done eating!! We had such a fun time at the William TellWilliam Tell!! Dinner was very good! Atmosphere was lively and fun! Marcos the owner was a kick, Denise the bartender is so funny! Cathy our wait person was awesome! What a terrific time we had!! Thanks William Tell!! We will be back!!
fun with wonderful friends!! Thank you Jim & Shirley for always embarking on a wonderful adventure!! 
Well the evening isn’t over yet. We returned to our “Villa” where would would like to go hot tubing. Just one little dilemma, we all forgot our suits! So we improvised.. Use your imagination.. 
OUR UNDER CLOTHES!! You can only do this with very special friends.. Love you guys~!
Thursday Morning:
I am sure Jim & Shirley had a total head start on us that morning. They were already ready for the day at 8am! So we got ourselves together and were finally ready for the day by 9am.. We packed up our things and headed for the continental breakfast in the dinning area..We were greeted by the “manager” can’t remember his name (he was a prior owner of the Sonoma Coast Villa) and we also meet the new owner “Perry”.. We found ourselves a lovely linen table for 4 with fresh flowers on the tables and proceeded to get our breakfast. Delicious breakfast.. There was even a Quiche with different veggies.. very good. Soon we were on our way to the coast, about a 5 minute ride from the Villa..
We checked out some of the local camping and walked along Bodega Head tried to see if we could see any whales.. no luck there. The day was gorgeous, clear and no fog! Took quite few photos.
From here we headed to Santa Rosa for lunch at Bj’s at the Coddingtown mall.
On our way in I saw some familiar faces that I hadn’t seen in many many years!! My friend Christina and her daughters Martha and Griselda and cousin… Loved it..
Soon I said my goodbyes and we went in for Lunch to Bj’s..
We had a delightful lunch. We chatted on what a great adventure we had. But it wasn’t over yet.. We stopped at the Villa Restaurant in Santa Rosa, then over the hill to Calistoga and stopped in a few places there. Once we were over the hill we stopped in at the Twin Pines, looking to hopefully play a match play, but too late.. We walked around the gift shop, fooled around a bit, then off we went to Jim & Shirley's..
By the time we arrived at J & S, it was about 8pm.. We had talked about having a dinner at J & S on Sunday 2/23. Jim & Shirley to host the party and Linda to cook it!! Sounds great to me. We were on the phone calling Faith & Rudy and Milt & Ellen.. All are coming on Sunday..
So ends a lovely 2 days of GREAT ADVENTURES with Fantastic Friends!! Until we embark on another adventure.. We have these great memories!! Happy Trails!
Keep watch for Dinner Party at Jim & Shirley’s 2/23/14!
Moose Sweetheart Dinner/Dance was a bust. We didn’t have much support from our membership. We only had about 25 people for the dinner/dance. Sheila Moyer was the “chef” of the night. She had some wonderful volunteers helping her out in the kitchen.
The music was delightful. K & J Music were performing. I was so sorry there wasn’t a better turnout.
I know John personally. so when the evening drew to the end I went up and met Karen and talked with John about how wonderful they were. Letting them know they would be wonderful in a “piano bar” atmosphere. We talked about some different venues that I know they will pursue.
K & J Music website>> http://www.k-jmusic.com/
Earlier in the day my new friend Kathleen came up from Windsor. I met Kathleen in Macys a couple of years ago. She is sweet and very very talkative! I had invited her up so she could attend the Moose Sweetheart Dinner/Dance. I am sure she had a great time.
After the dance we came home and Kathleen and I did some Karaoke. We had some good fun..
Our Friday night at the Moose was a blast! The Animal Coalition was doing one of their annual fundraisers. They hired the Charley Baker Band out of Petaluma as the entertainment. Served up as much Pasta as you could eat. The Moose was busting at the seems, it was packed! Personally I love to see the Moose Lodge filled with people! It just does a body good! At least mine! There is just something about seeing the lodge full with people having fun! Can’t really put my finger on it, but it excites me.
People were getting ready to eat when we came in. Charley was making the rounds schmoozing mostly with the women. Ladies man for sure. People were everywhere, so many familiar faces.
Wasn’t long and the music started. Because there were so many people and such a small dance floor it made it somewhat difficult to dance. I tried to encourage people to move back to the empty seats, but that was like pulling teeth. Soon after people were dancing the room began to get pretty warm. So I went over and opened the side door. But unfortunately there were people “sitting” (so they were cold and wouldn’t move), so they would shut the door when I would walk away. So, I would “man” the door for about 15 minute intervolves so we could cool the people dancing..
Fun night..
We talked with Jim & Shirley the end of last week and Jim asked us if we could join them for dinner at the Blue Wing (upper lake) on Monday night Feb 10th for Shirley’s birthday.
There was going to a Jazz band playing as well. It was a date!
Jim & Shirley came by here first so we could kick of the celebration of Shirley’s birthday with a bottle of champagne! and hor'duerves and a gift~
Soon we were on our way to the Blue Wing for dinner and dancing. We arrived and our table was ready and the place was warm and welcoming!! Jim had invited one of the couples from our Philosophers group. Conn & Marcia.. adorable.. Hopefully we didn’t shock them too much! We all had a lovely time! Everyone danced and enjoyed the evening..
Happy Birthday Shirley!!
Looking forward to our Bodega Bay Day/Evening next week!!
As you might know Ev and I belong to this lovely group called the Philosophical Society of Lake County. We meet the 2nd Sunday each month at 11am at the Riviera at Clearlake.
I was elected the “President” about 4 years ago (title really isn’t that impressive) And I love doing it! It really is never a burden.. And we so enjoy our group!!
Anyway this time was ‘crazy hat” day.. and I hate to say it, but there weren’t many that participated.. 
Well? and that is ok, cause the ones that had the “crazy hats” got all the attention! And they were all adorable! You all were GREAT!
We might have to give it a better shot next time..
Rudy & Faith were so darn cute! And I see from the photos I didn’t get Terry with her hat.. so sorry.. thank you all for doing the best you could!! You are all just wonderful!
We arrived at the Moose lodge about 5ish on Saturday. The place was busting at the seems already. Lots of people anticipating that wonderful crab! Lots of familiar faces. Great seeing people we hadn’t seen in sometime!
Charles was on stage getting things organized for the live dessert auction. There were several silent auction items, baskets, bottles of wine, wood carvings/etc..
Desserts sold at the highest $100 for a chocolate cake! My Lemon Meringue pies sold for $80 and $40.. I also won the 50/50 Raffle of $260!! woo hooo!! and I drew my own winning ticket!! I was soooo happy!! The crab dinner was wonderful! Everyone enjoyed it! If they didn’t it was their own fault!
My dear friend Sheri had a hip replacement on January 22nd. She is so young! I so wanted to be with her, but just couldn’t make it down. So Sheri and I made a plan.. 
I would come down on Feb 2 and stay till Wednesday afternoon.
On Superbowl Sunday I made her lots of food to take down so she didn’t have to worry about cooking.. Enchiladas, Meatloaf, Lasagna and apple crisp.. and a few other things too..
I got to Sheri’s about 1ish on that Monday. Sheri and I had a cocktail, pulled apart some kitchen cupboard doors along with some kitchen drawers that didn’t want to close correctly. Got the parts, got into the car and off we went to home depot to find the parts so hopefully I could fix them for her. (John, Sheri’s husband isn’t really able to do much anymore.. He is sickly and on kidney dialysis.) Well, home depot didn’t have the parts! grrr.. Not to hamper the errands we will had to run. We went to costco and Sheri bought some lovely filet minions for dinner!! From here we thought a quick trip by the Moose, so I could introduce her around.. And she loved it. The Moose from her is only about a mile or so from her.. she could ride her bicycle to the moose.. We did have a nice day.. However with all that running around I knew I had pretty much worn her out.. poor girl.. she was a trooper!
I cooked up those wonderful steaks for dinner and they were sooooooo good! We tried an artichoke as well.. don’t know what’s up with these artichokes these days.. can’t get them to cook past tuff!! Cooked those chokes for nearly 2 hours, still tuff! YUCK! took them back to Costco..
On Tuesday, Sheri and I had breakfast together.. and I went out for a couple of hours to try and find those parts for the cupboards and drawers.. this time I did find parts for the drawer at Lowes.. So we got that fixed and done.. The cupboard door now closes, and I glued the hinge so it wouldn’t fall out of the door. Still doesn’t work right, but need a new hinge.. dang.. but not falling off the wall!
After all that Sheri was ready to go out for awhile.. We hit a nice Thrift store, where we shot our wad.. fun fun.. then we hit the Moose again.. Now Sheri is really getting to like it and more! She is now joining..
We had hamburgers for dinner on Tuesday evening.. love hamburgers.. We got to visit a little and then turned in early.
Wednesday I think I was up and dressed before anyone.. That is probably a first.. ?? or not..
Sheri and I had breakfast, thought about what we were going to do today before I would leave.. We decided to take the care and get it washed and have lunch.. So that is what we did.. We had such a wonderful visit and I was so happy to be with her for those few days! Nothing too exciting.. but fun..
I Love You my dear dear friend! Hope I can see you again before you have to back to work..
