GFO 2008

Lovely table overlooking the parking lot

Just came off of another one of our "GFO" vacations that have become an annual and sometimes even bi-annual tradition. Despite hearing about things going on at work to equal the Elizabethan court (which completely wrecked any chance of actually sleeping that weekend), I was reminded once again of how special and how rare these friendships are. Here are a few pictures from the weekend. Hope to get more soon as (per usual), I completely forgot to take pictures most of the time!

Above & below taken at "Krystal & Becky's neighborhood bar"
Blue Martini
Shadow even got to be part of the "sleepover"

Annika demonstrates her dance moves

coolest xmas gift

Last summer a friend of mine from work, Lisa Gellens, was showing my friend Jenn & myself some of the jewelry that she had been designing - really cool stuff. She and her sister, Stephanie, have set up a business which you can find online here. I immediately asked her if she would design something for me but had no idea what to even ask for. Jenn jumped in and said "Oh, let me work with her - I think I know what you'd like and then I can give it to you for Christmas." The result is this gorgeous necklace & earring set that are just so beautiful, I almost feel too nervous to wear them.

The stone is called larimar and is absolutely exquisite -- beyond words. It comes from the Dominican Republic. The color, the detail in the stone, and the unique setting make this my all-time favorite Christmas gift.

my favorite niece & nephew

Thought I'd try out blogging, just for myself right now. And since I can't think of anything else to put here, here's some pictures from my recent trip to Minneapolis helping my brother & family move there. Below, my niece Lilly & nephew James.

These pictures pretty accurately sum up their personalities.