Super Belated Holiday Post

This Christmas was, among other things, busy. We drove from Berkeley to Tustin, Tustin to Prescott (AZ), Prescott to Mesa, flew from Phoenix to Boston, drove from Boston to Boothbay Harbor (ME), drove back to Boston, flew back to LA, drove to Tustin, and then drove back to Berkeley. We overcommitted. We are not going to do that again, but it was fun the once. One of the highlights of Christmas was getting to spend more time with Matt, Alex and our nephew Jones. He is a joy. I am posting the photos below because a) they are the only photos I have of Tom and me from the entire holiday break and b) so that when I go to my own blog, I get to see photos of Jones again and smile to myself.

Photos by Matt & Alex Rickeman

Happy Thanksgiving

"Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues,

but the parent of all the others."

-Cicero

Christmastime at Rickemanor: Part II

We decorated early this year so that we could enjoy it before we leave for our Christmas plans out of town. I hope you enjoy it as well.

Trick or Treat

Happy Halloween!

3.14

Happy Pi Day, y'all!

Photo by Larry Winger

Arizona's Christmas City

Prescott, Arizona is the place I most associate with Christmas. For as long as I can remember, it seems like no matter where I spend Christmas Eve and Christmas day, a trip to the family cabin in Prescott is soon to follow. It is my Christmas constant. To my delight, this year Prescott was even more Christmassy than normal. On our third day in town, we were treated to several inches of snow which continued to mount and grow over the remainder of our trip until we decided to skip town because the shoveling was becoming unmanageable. It was disappointing to leave earlier than we had intended, but it was a really nice cap on an already great Christmas season with friends and family.

Christmas Fantasy in the Woods

The amazing, beautiful, wonderful Tilden Park puts on an event every winter called Christmas Fantasyland. Tom and I went last year and it was one of the most delightful things we did the whole season. The most fun part is winding your way through the park in total darkness until you see on the hill the shimmering lights of the carousel and the enormous Christmas tree. They have Santa, reindeer, a shetland pony, hot chocolate, the carousel and many beautifully decorated trees. This year, we have already gone once and plan on going back again with friends as soon as possible. I can't get enough.

Tom-onaut.

Robo-me.

Holiday magic!

The sock monkey themed tree, for my "fan base."

Weekend Getaway: Cambria

Because we knew we wouldn't be together on Thanksgiving or my birthday, my parents met Tom and me in Cambria, CA a couple of weekends ago. We had a lovely time together and were able to add some extra fun to the trip by stopping at Big Sur on the way down and Wahoo's on the way back up.

Beautiful Big Sur.

In Morro Bay.

Can you spot the ground squirrels?

On the grounds of our charming hotel.

Christmastime at Rickemanor

Thanksgiving!

After a disastrously long drive home from Orange County after Thanksgiving last year (11 hours!), Tom and I determined that we should hold our own gathering in Berkeley this year. We were joined by our dear friends Courtney and Mikey, who did half the cooking for our fantastic vegetarian feast. While it would have been nice to be with our families, we made do and had a great time.

So full.

From this picture, it would be reasonable to assume that we only had lemons, cranberry sauce, and non-dairy butter spread for Thanksgiving. Thankfully, this was not the case.

Mmmm... sweet potatoes, stuffing, Tofurkey, carrots, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes.

My list of things I am thankful for does not include seeing this facial expression.