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."

You're Turning Violet, Violet!

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

Take that, chipmunk.

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.

New Zealand's Pride

Cougartown

I love Berkeley because when a mountain lion is shot, we put up a memorial and several notes protesting the police's use of lethal force. I love you, Berkeley. I love you so much.

(The corner of Shattuck Avenue and Cedar Street)

Can We Make Spoons?

Well, based on the poll results, I have been duly chastened for my macaroni spoon proclivity. With the exception of the sassy person who selected "Pick A or B" (I have a strong feeling I know who did that, by the way), I am all alone in the spoon column. I do have some news for you Status Quo Sallies... it's on the box! It's not that weird.

Run Away! Run Away!

(L-R: Eric Idle, Graham Chapman, Michael Palin, John Cleese, Terry Jones, Terry Gilliam)

First, she-who-must-not-be-named ousted Michael and became the most famous Palin in the world. Now, class A moron Terry Jones is dethroning Welsh wonder Terry Jones. I suppose it's fitting that the Pythons are under attack by their obvious mortal enemies: super stupid people. If you meet anybody named Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle or Terry Gilliam that's attempting to enter the public sphere, you may as well just slap them in the face with a fish before they even open their mouth to speak.

Cantina Band

If you thought that was funny, try it auf Deutsch!

Emmy Dreaming?

You can't spell Rita Wilson without "Aw, no."

Hello Cello

We got a whole new set of neighbors in our building all within the last month. Last night we got together for a dinner and they are really wonderful and fun. The most exciting part of all, perhaps, is that our new next door neighbor (with whom we share a wall) is an excellent cellist. I love the cello and listening to him through the walls, as I am now, is a delight.

Moving Day

Erstwhile Adamant Heroes bloggers Mike Ailshie and his wife Bearpants (pictured) are moving to Berkeley tomorrow and I couldn't be more excited. Courtney, maybe if you contributed more I would have put up a better picture of you. Just saying.

Fascinating: Things Destroyed in Slow Motion

Via Boing Boing

Mount Tamalpais

Tom's mother Ginger is visiting us from Maine this week and she suggested we make an excursion to Mount Tamalpais on Saturday. It was very warm but the view was an ample reward for our efforts.

Did you ever notice that "flutter by" is a spoonerism of "butterfly"?

It appears that I am wearing shorts, but these are really pants rolled up to my thighs in heat-induced desperation.

So happy to be done climbing.

Surveying his territory.

Somebody Should Pay Me For This Post

This is the best nail polish out there. One coat is all you need, it goes on smooth, it dries almost instantly and it lasts forever without chipping. I love it.

Absolutely Not.

Via Criggo, a site at which I would recommend wasting several hours.

Muir Woods

A few weekends ago, my parents came up to visit Tom and me in old Berkeley. While they were here, we decided to take a trip to Muir Woods. Tom had never been and I hadn't been since my early teens. It was a lot of fun and even more trees.