Crazy Travelers...: December 2008

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Yoga with Allison

At the beginning of December, I committed to Victoria that I would start yoga. And I've kept that promise, going at least once, sometimes twice a week. It's really been fun!

Since Allison has spent the past year+ focusing on her yoga practice and education, I thought it would be fun while she was home to have her lead us in a private session.

Timing was such that Lily wasn't able to join us, but Allison's long-time friend Kristen and Victoria were up bright and early Saturday morning for a special class. Frank helped to clear the lanai, get the appropriate tunes on the outside speakers and we were ready to go! The weather was perfect - sunny, warm with a gentle breeze blowing around us.

We all learned something new, found some muscles we hadn't used in a while and enjoyed the specialness of our time together.

Thank you Allison!

Friday, December 26, 2008

Christmas in Tampa

What a nice Christmas!

We've been in Tampa for most of December and were looking forward to Allison and Andrea being able to spend the holiday with us.

Andrea headed south and was here late Sunday. After enduring more than a week of snow, icy and yucky weather in Portland and only a few extra hours in two airports, Allison arrived to warm Florida temperatures and sunshine. (Thanks to Andrea picking her up in Orlando.)

Our plans changed slightly on Christmas Eve, but we were able to spend time with family and our good friends. We opted for a lighter meal and good wine.

After enjoying our potato-leek soup and yummy desserts, we were obligated to open the Christmas Crackers, a tradition Victoria and Ken introduced us to several years ago. Lots of laughs and trinkets along with the oh-so-attractive gold crowns!

We enjoyed a shot of '43' a Spanish liqueur before hitting the neighborhood streets to carol and look at lights. (This is a tasty, very smooth treat Lily introduced us to last year.)

Christmas morning arrived and Santa found his way to our tree. Nan joined us for presents and food. Technology is an amazing thing and we were able to Skype with both of Frank's brothers (in DelRay and New Smyrna). It was great for Nan to see everyone and for everyone to see her. Plus, it's been a year since Allison was in Tampa and Andrea recently returned from London. So it was a fun, easy way to communicate with everyone!

We exchanged presents and enjoyed our family time together. And it wouldn't be Christmas without all-day eating! With Allison and Andrea being vegetarian, it's something we keep in mind when it comes to meal planning. But, we made it work. Frank got his prime rib and the girls had stuffed mushrooms. Needless to say, we had lots of good food throughout the day.

After eating, Allison and Andrea played several rounds of Boggle while Nan supervised. And in keeping with tradition, we rented a couple movies and enjoyed the evening watching 'Burn after Reading'.

It was very special to have the girls home and gave them an opportunity to see each other as well as catch up with friends. Hard to believe next week we'll be into the new year!

Bucs Game and Annual Chili Cookoff

Each football season, we have our annual Chili Cookoff during one of the Bucs tailgates. This year, we had the perfect game....8:15pm, December, right before Christmas. But alas, the game got moved to 1:00 and the temperature was close to 80. Oh well, we still made it work.

Frank really enjoys this event and had been researching, shopping, planning for several weeks.

We had a great time and enjoyed being able to share the tailgate experience and game with Ken & Victoria.

We had 5 entries, all of which were delicious.

The winning entry was named "This Year's" as in 'this year's entry or this year's winner'. Congrats to Jay on his creation. John came in 2nd with his 'Spicy Chili' and Frank took 3rd with his 'Ancho Chili Chili'!

Go Bucs!

Holiday Season

We have had such a wonderfully busy holiday season that updating our blog has unfortunately been low on the priority list. But now that it's the day after Christmas, I can get back on track.

With the exception of a quick trip to Stuart, we've been in Tampa for most of December. Our neighborhood boat parade was on the 20th. A good turnout on the water and at the party. Lots of good food, laughs and merriment!