October Fun & Games

This week we had Aunt Karen's fun friends over for dinner. This is a lively group of people who meet weekly at different Dana Point eateries to enjoy the deal of the day (Taco Tuesday at Jolly Roger & Two Timing Tuesday at Hennessey's are two favorites). Eric and I join them occasionally for food and fun. When we moved into this new home we decided we needed a new table for the kitchen. We gave Aunt Karen the charge to find us a vintage '60's table, but all of the chrome diner tables we found were pricey. An excited Karen called one day to tell us she had scored on a table that had been passed from Hayley and Sharon to Susan & Bill who decided it was too big for their kitchen. I told Eric about this freebie. He was not excited, but I dragged him to check it out and the whole way there he was trying to think of ways to politely decline. However when he saw the beautiful 1890's five pedestal table, he was in heaven! He did an amazing restoration job on it. We wanted Hayley, Sharon, Susan & Bill to see the finished product. They were all very impressed that the table had found a loving new home.

The meal was yummy - homemade chicken noodle soup, rolls, fruit, salad, lemon sorbet and maple cookies. We thoroughly enjoyed opening our home for good conversation and company.

Friday night we enjoyed the Monarch Beach Ward Chili cookoff/Trunk or Treat Halloween Party. Lawanna is an awesome activities chairperson and gets a great response from ward members and neighbors who love the chance for some safe children friendly activities. The Mirandas came and brought friends as well.

Fall Company

Fall has been a lovely time for company. Thanks one and all for sharing time with us.

Loved the Girls night out in September at Chart House to celebrate Mary Margaret's birthday. If you go be sure to try the Lava Cake.

The Mirandas joined us for our second annual Sunday morning General Conference Feast on the Word Breakfast. We had the Paula Deen French Toast Casserole and an egg dish similar to this link with green chilies, and dressed up with salsa, sour cream and my favorite - guacamole. Yummy!

I love hearing our spiritual leaders give us guidance. I am looking forward to getting the November Ensign and highlighting the messages and reliving the insights again.

Baby brother Matthew came to visit from Maryland this week and cousin Rene from New Jersay was also in town at the same time visiting Aunt Karen. We spent a lovely evening eating Eric's delicious kabobs and catching up. Matt is 'on tour' and playing several venues in SoCal, Salt Lake City, Santaquin, San Francisco and back to Costa Mesa. I really enjoy his acoustic music.

I also enjoyed a lovely day with Luke. We went shopping at Trader Joe's to replenish Keileigh's college cupboards. (There are some things you can only find at TJ's.) Then we made a great Vegetarian Polenta dish that we enjoyed in New Hampshire with Ben & Caitlin. Luke said discovering polenta was like the day he discovered couscous, it just makes you happy. We had great fun and good conversation. I'm so glad Luke added us to his fall break itinerary!

We love having company here in California. Hope to see you too!