Only my son(s) could get me out to the stores after Christmas Eve dinner. It seems my youngest forgot to get a particular pair of gloves for his girlfriend. Soooooooooo because I love him, I drove him. A Mommy's love is endless. (*now he owes me one*)

I hope everyone is enjoying some rum filled egg nogg and kissing under the mistletoe.
[img]http://gifs.gifmania.co.il/Animated-Gifs-Christmas/Animations-Mistletoe/mistletoe.gif[/img]

When I was shopping last night, there were Carolers singing in the mall. It reminded me of when I was little. When I was growing up, groups of caroling kids was prevalent. Not in the malls, but house to house around the neighborhood. My older sisters asked my Dad if we could sing too. Since our neighborhood was already covered, my Dad would drive us over to the City of Downey. There we were, 6 girls all bundled up in winter coats, caroler books in hand...walking from house to house standing on the front porches and singing.

One of the family homes in which we would approach was the Carpenters Home. The mother and father of Karen and Richard Carpenter would give us hot chocolate after we sang. On a few nights Karen was there. I didn't even know it was her until a few years later a when I was 11 and recognized her from television. She didn't sing with us on the nights I saw her but I do remember her smiling. She probably smiled because maybe we were off key..lol..who knows. I mean we were just kids ranging from 8 to 18. It was all just for fun. We stopped caroling after I turned 12. I don't know why and I suppose it doesn't matter. But it really was a such a wonderful moment in my life while it lasted and I do have those memories of being wrapped up but still cold and singing for smiling faces. I am still singing Christmas Carols but not from house to house. That would look idiotic all alone.......lol.



*sings* I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

I miss reading all of the blogs! It is probably my favorite thing to do here on NN. I had 10 minutes set aside to read a few and have already planned 10 minutes for later on.

I am off to make breakfast for the boys and cookies for company.

Here are some kisses



Happy Sunday!

During this time of year, we all know that the lines are long and the stores are crowded. I was in line at Macy's and the cashier was asking me a variety of questions. She was a cute little thing. Just a young girl probably working during the Christmas rush. I do remember what it was like. My very first job at the age of 15 was a cashier during the Christmas rush at JC Penneys. I remember having to ask questions. She was no different and asked me:
"Would you like to sign up for our Christmas discount club?"
"Would you like to sign up via email for any sales coming up?"
"If you buy one more blouse you get the third one free"
"Is this on your Macy's card?"
"Would you like to sign up for a Macy's card and get an extra 15% off?"
I said "No thank you" after every question.

The lady behind me wasn't so polite. She said very loudly:
"Can you just ring her up so I can get the FUCK out of here!!!"



I didn't have the chance to say anything to the rude idiot because the woman behind her said "Now there is a person who needs a lump of coal up her ass" lmao. She beat me to it!!

Patience people. You are not the only ones out there.

This woman's tire cover was so befitting of how I was feeling as I drove to my Christmas destination.




I know that life is good. I am reminded of it everyday.

***Amended: Since this was taken and blogged, I have now arrived at my destination. I am whipped! There are emails to answer and blogs to catch up on. That will come later. Smooches!

The ride has been exciting! So many things to see and just be amazed by. It doesn't matter how many times I have made this drive, I am in awe of so many things and the splendor of it all. The world has so much to offer and love. I am grateful that I have the ability to find it. Being on the road is a favorite of mine, always has been. I get my fondness for travel from my Daddy. He would pile us all in the station wagon and off we would go! He wanted us to see what was beyond where we lived. He would say "Grab a jacket and a pillow" and off we would go! I did the same with my sons and now they have the road bug. I have so much to share from my road trip.

For now I bring you to Ventura CA Sit with me and watch the sunset behind the oil derricks. It is a beautiful site with the waves below me and the sun slowly setting on another wonderful day.



Hugs to all. I am still about 2 hours away from the two most important men in my life.

I left around 10 am for my old stomping grounds of Huntington Beach and a good old fashioned Christmas with my sons. I am so excited! I decided to take Highway 1. For those of you who do know the beauty of it, you can understand how easy it is to take your eyes off of the road.....lol. The consequences of that is plummeting thousands of feet to the ocean below. To those who have not driven the 1, well it is un-explainable beauty. You have mountains of pines on one side and the roaring ocean on the other.

This is right across the street from me. The storm is moving in. I am sorry that I will be missing it. Christmas with my sons is more important.


This one is looking down from Big Sur while sitting under a Pine.




I still have about 4 more hours to go. No time to read the blogs that I adore so much. I hope that everyone is having a great Friday!

During one of my walks in the foggy rain with my camera, I knew I would be using this picture as my Christmas Card for all of you.




Hugs to all,
Lacey