Category Archives: Arts and Crafts

Displays arts and crafts projects that I love working on.

Photography Field Trip to Los Angeles

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The weather was beautiful yesterday and perfect for our photography class field trip to Los Angeles. We caught the MetroLink commuter train at Irvine station and from there traveled to Union Station. There we caught the red line subway to City Hall. I learned that for a five dollar MetroLink ticket a person can travel to and all over Los Angeles by bus and subway. An amazing deal! Once inside city hall we were given a guided tour by one of the knowledgeable docents.P1010287City Hall’s interior is amazing. Built in the 1920s, it was designed in the Art Deco style. Here you can see the beautiful Christmas tree in the central lobby and some of the architecture. The marble floors and ceilings, and just about everywhere else you looked, there was something to photograph. Since the late ’50s I’ve seen the outside of this building, but never stepped inside until yesterday. Now that I know just how easy it is to get there by public transportation, I plan to go back soon and take my husband with me. P1010346

Our next stop was the historic Bradley Building in downtown Los Angeles, another gorgeous building from the 1920s. I was amazed at the amount of brass used in staircases and other fixtures. Above  is one of two ornately decorated elevators.

The next part of our trip took us to the Grammy Museum, which I strongly recommend if you are a music lover. If you go to their web site www.grammymuseum.org you will see some of the many outstanding exhibits.100_3731

Last but not least, we went to L.A. Live next to the Staples Center. There we were treated to live music and holiday lights. It was spectacular. There was also an ice rink for those who wanted to give skating a try.

We returned to Orange County by tour bus, and as we traveled home listening  to Christmas carols we also enjoyed seeing brightly decorated houses along the way. It was a wonderful day filled with new adventures. We’ve often seen the Los Angeles skyline from a distance as we’ve traveled north on the freeway, but yesterday I was in the very heart of this amazing city. My photography instructor encourages us to seek out new experiences, and that is certainly what we did!

The Christmas Party Season is Here.

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Gals on scooters
The Christmas season is here, and Saturday we attended a festive Christmas party hosted by the San Clemente Scooter Club. Here you can see two of the members arriving on scooters decorated with holiday lights. The evening was cool and crisp and it was a great excuse to wear our warm jackets, boots and hats. Cozy fireplace

Once inside though, it was warm and cozy. Our hostess had decorated the house   beautifully, and we were quickly moved into the holiday spirit. silver table decoration

There was no shortage of delicious holiday treats. As they say, everything from soup to nuts, literally! P1010271
Just before leaving, we all went out to the back yard to enjoy the view one last time. Not only were the lights down below beautiful, but there was also a full moon. It had indeed been a great party and a wonderful way to start the holiday season.

Christmas Decorating Ahead of the Storm

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Finished decorating

This is our first Christmas without Dad, who passed away in February of this year, so we wanted to help Mom decorate for Christmas. We knew that a storm was brewing, but we went to her home in Seal Beach anyway. By the time we arrived, she had the tree up and beautifully decorated, and most of the inside of her condo was also bright with the yuletide spirit. She really is amazing! We did have a little rain as we began work, but it stopped just long enough for us to get her outside lights up under the threatening skies.decorated mirror

Storm is coming
As we drove away from Mom’s, the rain started again. Driving toward storm clouds on a darkened freeway, we were sure we were in for a really huge storm, and we suddenly drove through some very heavy rain, but five minutes later the rain was behind us and the sky was clear.

Motor Scooter Ride to Laguna Niguel

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Yesterday the weather was perfect for a motor scooter ride, and that’s what we did. Martin rode his Kymco Downtown 300, and I was on the Piaggio three-wheeler.

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Here you can see our sturdy mounts as we took a break for a quick snack and drink of water in Laguna Niguel. It was a ride full of curves, especially as we traveled through rustic Santiago Canyon, and then steep climbs in beautiful Laguna Niguel, where we were always rewarded with spectacular views at the top.

Martin in Laguna Niquel November 29-14 10-29-2014 2-51-26 PM

We stopped to put gas in my scooter, and at 70 miles to the gallon we don’t do that very often. The total cost was only $7.84, one reason why motor scooters are becoming ever more popular. We rode a little over 50 miles, and I felt as if I could ride forever. When we finished I was already looking forward to our next scooter adventure. These are the two ways I judge if a scooter outing has been a success. This one definitely earned two thumbs up!

Sweet Potato Casserole

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sweet potato casserole

I was given this recipe for Sweet Potato Casserole many years ago. It is one of my favorites. The recipe calls for sweet potatoes, not yams. I have tried it with both, and sweet potatoes are the best. The leftovers are delicious served cold like a dessert. I hope you will give it a try. It is very tasty, and perfect for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner.

Main Ingredients

Three good sized sweet Potatoes                      2 Eggs
1 Stick Butter                                                       ¼ Cup Milk
½ cup Sugar                                                         1 ½ tsp. Vanilla
¼ cup Brown Sugar

Topping Ingredients

1 Cup Crushed Cornflakes                                     1 Stick Butter
1 Cup Brown Sugar (packed)                                 ½ cup Chopped PecansP1010032

Cook, peel & mash potatoes. Mix with other ingredients (besides topping). Place in an ovenproof glass baking dish.

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Mix all the Topping ingredients together with the melted stick of butter. Put topping mix on top of potato mixture in a glass baking dish. Bake at 450° degrees for 15 minutes or until golden brown. This sweet potato casserole is delicious, and I bet it instantly becomes one of your favorites.