Tradition

We have had an Old Fashion Christmas Party at our house December 23rd for very many years.  It is one of out favorite traditions.  I really enjoyed making the invitations and sent them out a few days ago. Pictures from last year as part of the invite makes them a little bit more special.

November

Mid November, New England, fall, 59 degrees, sun, shorts and a light jacket. Fresh air that makes you want to take the deepest breath. Health, no pain in the knees, being able to go for a long walk, do lunges, stairs. And the best playlist made by a loving son.
Grateful.

WaterFire and Gondolas in Providence

They have had WaterFire in Providence for years but I had never made it to one and always wanted to go.  At the end of the summer I heard about the Gondolas on the river and after some research I found that there was a partial and a regular WaterFire night left on the calendar for 2013 and that the Gondolas would be available.  So I booked both nights . The partial WaterFire night David and I went for dinner at Cafe Nuovo and then the Gondola immediately following.  It was fantastic.  A nice, unseasonably, warm night.  After a wonderful dinner, Alessandro (sp?) brought us for a romantic ride on the river.  He even sang us a couple of songs!  And with the full moon and the fires it was all beautiful and memorable.

                                 

The fire was only at one end of the river.  There were speakers there and beautiful music.  The city looked so different and more peaceful from down on the river.

Below is my favorite picture from the night!  The quality was not great because of a small point and shoot camera, no flash and lots of grain so I turned it into a more artsy image and 

I just love it because of the moon.  

I was so happy to have scheduled another night with two of our very favorite couples for the regular WaterFire night which was Saturday a week ago.  They had a special celebration honoring the veterans that night.  It was pretty warm again and everything worked out so beautifully. The only bummer was that Jay was sick so they couldn't come. The navy band was playing and there were bag pipes as well. A huge American flag was hanging behind the band on the other side of the river and an honor guard was on the star bridge. 

                            

It was a regular WaterFire night so the fires were burning along the whole river and there was music along the whole route as well.  The fires were lit as we were having dinner at Cafe Nuovo.  The absolute best tomato soup I have ever tasted.  Everything else was incredible as well.

As we left a wedding was just starting at the Cafe.

We brought chocolate covered strawberries and champagne for the Gondola ride. 

It was a super time :)

There were three canoes that looked like magic because there was no-one in them and they were pulled by a boat that was way up ahead.

We saw Alessandro and his beautiful family at the end of our ride.

It was not cold at all so we walked around for a while and looked at all the people before we headed home.  We have decided to make this a yearly event and hopefully Lisa and Jay can join us next year!

Puppy

This week has not been one of the easiest weeks for me and when David said the doggie grooming and daycare behind his office had a puppy I took the boys down to meet her.  She is a brown labradoodle and she is seven weeks old.  She was so cute and we all got to hold her and she was very sweet.  She lowered my blood pressure and brought calm to my mind for just a little while. There is nothing like a little puppy - especially someone else's  - to make you feel better!  I did not have my camera, but she looked a little cuter than this (if that is even possible):

;)

Pumpkin Party

We went to a pumpkin carving party a few weeks ago and it was awesome.  There were so many pumpkins, great food and lots of kids (and adults) having fun.  I carved two pumpkins and had a blast.  I brought my small pocket camera and did not use flash but the pictures came out pretty good considering it was really dark!  The best part is they will help me remember one great evening thanks to the amazing Andrea and her husband Tony!

The man in the tree

Our neighbor is one of the most wonderful people we know.   She decorated the man in the tree today with fall leaves and that made me so happy.  She will usually do something seasonal with him but it's been a while now and I just loved it!

Here are some others.  I couldn't find them all but as you can see she is very creative :)