#1 Idol

We had the chance to see Kelly Clarkson in concert on Saturday. She is the original American Idol - she's come a long way. She has a phenominal voice; however, her stage presence wasn't all that great. Unfortunately, she has gained a lot of weight and her wardrobe didn't flatter her much. She performs barefoot which seems odd but nothing takes away from her incredible voice.

There were tons of teeny boppers there - the kids love her.

I'm glad I saw her perform but would not go out of my way to see her again.

V

Taking in the Beauty

We are having the best time in Lake Tahoe. It's a beautiful corner of the world. It has so much to offer; from the beautiful lake to all the famous ski resorts. We had the opportunity of eating Thanksgiving dinner at Squaw Valley (the home of the 1960 Winter Olympics). At 8200 feet, we had a great view of the valley and could even see Lake Tahoe. It's hard to believe that in February 2010 it will have been 50 years that the Olympics have set foot in this part of the world.

We had the chance to visit the very small Olympic Museum - there wasn't much to see but at least we can say we went. The Olympic sized ice skating rink is still functioning and families were taking advantage this Thanksgiving.

We've discovered a great hole in the wall mexican restaurant called Brothers Burrito House. Not only is it super yummy but it's super cheap; on Mon - Thurs they even have 2 for 1 - can't beat that nowadays. We've already eaten there twice. I must admit though -- Beano is in order.

We will be here for three more days. We have been really enjoying our morning racquetball challenges and the fresh air the mountains have to offer. Tonight we are headed to the Improv for some laughs and tomorrow we're off to Reno for the Kelly Clarkson concert -can't wait - heard she's a great performer.

I hope you all had a great time with your family and friends and have taken time to give thanks for all that's meaningful in your lives.

If you're headed for Black Friday - good luck. I plan on attacking the shopping tomorrow - maybe it will be a little more tame.

Enjoy your days.
V

Pumpkin Bars

1 (18 oz.) box yellow cake mix

1/2 cup margarine, melted

4 eggs

1 (30 oz.) can pumpkin (not pie filling)

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

2/3 cup evaporated milk

1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 cup nuts

1/4 cup margarine

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour 13 x 9 inch pan.

Remove 1 cup cake mix and reserve.

In a small bowl, lightly beat 1 egg. In a large bowl, stir together remaining cake mix, melted butter and beaten eggs. Press into pan.

In large bowl, lightly beat remaining eggs. Stir in pumpkin, 1/2 cup sugar, brown sugar, evaporated milk and cinnamon. Pour over cake mixture.

To the remaining 1 cup cake mix, add 1/2 cup sugar, walnuts and 1/4 cup butter. Mix until crumbly and sprinkle over pumpkin mixture.

Bake at 350F 5o to 60 minutes. Enjoy!

Never a Dull Moment

Hi all,

A simple recap of the weekend:

- Did Christmas shopping

- Spent valued time with friends

- Went to a comedy show (and laughed a lot)

- Visited with the kids (so happy and proud)

- Ate a lot (tried a new taqueria - super yummy shrimp burritos)

- Had my parents over for our weekly Sunday dinner

- Made my first fire of the year

- Went to see "Blindside" - awesome movie!!

- Enjoyed the rain sprinkles on Friday

- Tried a new recipe

- Played cards

- Watch Miss California (my daughter's friend was in the pageant)

- Enjoyed some silent moments

Hope you all had some great times as well.

V

Laughs and Giggles

Happy Friday!

So looking forward to going with a bunch of friends to see Steven Wright live - he's such a great comedian and now is the perfect time for a few laughs. Going to have dinner in the city, take in some cocktails, giggle a bunch and most importantly, cherish time with friends.

It's going to be a fun-filled weekend - check back on Monday for a full update.

Have a great weekend -- and whatever you do, do it with a smile.
V

Times

Had a great weekend with friends. Never a dull moment with Barney and Betty. There are always tons of laughs, jokes, vino, and tales.

Friday we stepped out of the norm and went out for pizza - so yummy of course!

Sunday we visited our local winery (Hannah Nicole Vineyards) for some much needed vino. Their new tasting room is beautiful and a great place to relax on a Sunday. This will be a local hangout hosting many events throughout the year - at the top of their list is Ladies Night Out. My friends and I are hoping to gather here for some fun and much needed girl time.

We had a wonderful dinner at Shutters on Sunday night - the food is delicious, the atmosphere is quaint and peaceful, and the service is great. Fred couldn't pass up the center piece - a chocolate turkey from See's - the poor bird was demolished in no time flat. (I think it's the first time that we've ever destroyed a center piece - but it was so very good and led to tons of laughs).

Thanks friends for yet another memorable weekend. You are the best!
Wilma

Rest In Peace

A dear friend of mine, Pilar, recently passed suddenly on Friday, November 13.

She was a very giving, lively, and compassionate friend. She had a passion for writing poetry, books and quotations. She was a very dedicated mother, friend, and mentor. She had a spark for life and it was contagious.

Her presence, friendship, and laughter will be missed.

I love you Pilar and will miss you always.
V

Thankful....

- it's Friday.

- that I get to sleep in for 2 extra hours tomorrow before spin.

- that I get to spend time with friends this weekend.

- that I'm getting my house in order (out with the old, in with the new).

- the weather is still beautiful (but cold).

- Thanksgiving is right around the corner which means lots of yummy food and rest.

- I was able to see my daughter this week.

- for my new leather couch.

- I have good smelling hand lotion for my extra dry hands.

- my best buddy is having a birthday next week.

- I have nice, warm flannel sheets.

- for this day.

D.D.

Yes - I'm usually the D.D. wherever we go; however this D.D. refers to Domestic Duties. This is what I did all weekend.
We moved some old furniture out and came in with the new. It makes a huge difference. My couch, which is 25 years old, will be next to go. We need to save up the money to get some new dark brown couches.
I'm giving the house a little, much-needed face lift. Next on the list is to paint 3 bathrooms (ECD: 12/31/09).
There is never a lack of D.D. around the house. If it's all to better the scene, I'm all for it.

The Flintstones/Rubbles Come to the Wood

Hi all,

On October 31 the Flintstones and Rubbles were seen in Contra Costa County. Beforehand, they were spotted at a few wineries in the Livermore Valley (McGrails and White Crain).

Fred, Wilma, Barney and Betty had a great time visiting Brentwood and the highlight of their day was sampling some wine at the Contra Costa County Wine Bar downtown (a hot spot in this area). They danced the night away and dined on some fine tacos. Everyone was captivated by their presence and the crowd went wild.

It was a perfect Halloween - so perfect that they returned home to Bedrock with the #1 Prize for Best Costume.

Fun times in the Wood! Can't wait to see who will appear next Halloween.

Wilma