2011 was a time to honor friendships and revel in making memories. Early summer, I got to meet my flip-flop sisters in beautiful Lake Tahoe. We had been planning a trip to Janice's home for a very long time and somehow the stars lined up and we all were able to get away together and experience the majesty of the Lake Tahoe area (the pictures, for sure, do not do it justice). Although, we didn't encounter any bears (other than several wooden versions - see photos), rumors were that one had been sighted around town; however, much to my chagrin (me being the only one, I have to note ;) we never did encounter that black bear. We did however have refreshing walks and talks each day followed by wonderful meals and lively discussions. Judy, my patient and wonderful "bunkmate" for the weekend, and I even stayed up into the wee hours of the night talking; must have been all that fresh mountain air that allowed me to stay awake past 10pm ;) Janice's warm and welcoming home provided the perfect back drop - and it even snowed one morning - so very unseasonable-like weather, but enjoyed just the same. Here's to long-time friends!
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| Daily walks from Janice's neighborhood..... |
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| ........ |
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| ....to the Lake's shore. |
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| A little breezy this day, but gorgeous views of the mountains in the background. |
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| We encountered this artist and BEAR along our journey home. |
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| Another day's sojourn. |
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| I finally spotted that Black Bear!! Come here little bear.... |
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| Into town for a little shopping |
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| My Sisters..... |
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| ....love you all! |
Next up - my reunion in NYC with my best friend from first grade, Lisa Winkler (see earlier post for all the delightful details).
I realized afterward, I had only taken a precious few photos (very unusual for me), and most of those were poorly taken (not unusual for me) ....bad lighting, closed eyes (mine, of course) etc. etc. But, then I got to thinking that her and I had so much catching up to do - in less than 1 day - it's no wonder I didn't have time to take many photos. Here's one that I had to digitally enhance since we were in a cozy, dark little bar - I think it turned out to look very "Parisian", but we are actually in the middle of Manhattan, somewhere off 5th Ave?? Didn't matter where we were at the time, this was the absolute highlight of my entire year!!!
Lastly, this past December I reunited with my friends from High School, whom I hadn't seen in such a long time - shameful! We got together at Sue's home in Rochester Hills, MI for a relaxing girls weekend of watching movies, drinking wine, shopping and baking! Sounds like a dangerous combination :) We actually made the most excellent apple pie in less time than it takes to make cookies. I think it was a blue ribbon winner!!
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| A night on the town that was sparkling for Christmas - magical! |
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| The fresh ingredients and time-tested recipe... |
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| The dough...handmade |
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| Our official taste tester |
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| How can you resist this face? |
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| All a girl needs - a good recipe, good friends to talk with in the kitchen - and that glass of wine. |
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| It came out picture perfect. |
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| Mmmmmm! It was Husband approved too!! A big thanks to Rob for being our hero and going out to pick up the ice cream to accompany the pie; after all what is pie without the a la mode! |
It was a great 2011....
thanks to each of my special friends!
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