Clean Slate

After boxing up ornaments, untying the bleached-out wreath that hung on the front door, disposing of stiffened greenery from the mantels and vacuuming errant needles, I took a friend’s advice and didn’t rush to put everything back into place.

Just left things bare.

A clean slate providing a visual rest.

The new calendar - pristine with possibilities.

Open space. 

In our rooms, mantels and schedules.

A clean start for 2012.

Solve the Puzzle

Online puzzles became my end of year computer addiction.

Give it a try:   http://www.jigzone.com/

Rancho Penasquitos

We took a drive to see the holiday lights on Oviedo Street, Twin Trails Drive, Barrymore Street and Amber Sky Lane.

This house offered an interactive display.

A chance to stick your head through the cutout and become an elf.

A slow and steady stream of cars flowed through the neighborhood. Cameras flashed. Children were pushed in strollers. Some of the homeowners sat in their driveway and greeted those passing by.

A fun way to enjoy the Christmas lights before the end of the year.

Can't Complain

It is super chilly in the morning.

Put on your slippers kinda weather.

But afternoons are reaching 70 and upward.

So there is really nothing to whine about except the lack of parking at the beach.

Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala

Was the first of the twenty-one California Missions founded by Father Junipero Serra.

This fountain is located in the courtyard.

The Lumberyard in Encinitas

On the day before Christmas, there should be lots of red and green and the sound of music.

And there was.

In a courtyard.

Along Highway 101 in Encinitas.

A place for hanging out. 

Getting some sun.

Before Santa comes to town.

Gingerbread Houses

Are a big part of our holiday tradition.

Years ago we took the time to design blueprints, cut out templates, roll dough and bake the components. We created faux glass windows and set twinkle lights inside to cast a dreamy glow.

Fast Forward....to this year.

Six people, 3 kits (1 mini-village and 2 big houses assembled and dried ahead of time), 3 piping bags, lots of potential landscaping materials (pretzels, marshmallows, shredded wheat cereal, edible rocks) and a slew of gum drops and other candies.

Our creative group scored very high in originality.

We did, however, fall down in the area of execution and precision.

Here are some pictures.

The Green House featured a solar panel, garden and Prius (plugged in and getting charged).

Gum paste Santa on pretzel legs took 'a dive'.
No problem, it became a large ham in the process of being cured.
Hey, if you grow your own vegetables, it only makes sense to raise your own meats.

The Fun House has a putting green, lit walkway, shamrock over front door and a large dragon.
The gazebo took 'a dive' and became a bonfire. The gingerbread man is grilling over hot flames.
Gum paste Santa had a meltdown on the chimney and was speared and put out of his misery.

The Mini Village featured lots of water, fish, a dog and Santa who started to drown but revived

by doing the backstroke. Elsewhere the pretzel bridge collapsed and was replaced by an abominable

marshmallow snowman who was unable to forge the raging river.

By the end of the night, all our houses had a story to tell!