Let the Countdown Begin

Yipee!

• Cruise is booked



• Diet needs to begin



• Bikinis need to be dusted off



• A countdown needs to begin

Can't wait for my 2010 Gal Pal Cruise - we'll never be the same.

V

When the Sun Goes Down....

we'll be cruisin'!

Just gearing up to organize a 2010 cruise with all my gal pals. Can't wait! Should be tons of fun!

Always having something to look forward to makes my day!
V

December to Me

Means:

1) Decking the halls

2) Decorating

3) Chestnuts

4) Spending time with family/friends

5) Sparkley gift wrap

6) Bright lights

7) Cold mornings

8) Traditional music

9) The color red

10) Greeting the mailman

11) Tons of calories

12) Hussle and bussle

13) A warm fire

14) Decorated cookies

15) A new festive tablecloth

16) Receiving an assortment of cards

17) Seeing my kids smile

18) Hot chocolate

19) See's candies

20) Togetherness

I can hardly believe it's December 1; only 24 more days until Christmas. Where has this year gone? I still remember January 1.

I hope this month will bring you good cheer, colorful days, and warm hearts.

Enjoy each day!

Cheers,
V

#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!