Christmas Lights in Dana Point, California

Boat of lights

Last night we drove to Dana Point to see the Holiday Light Show we have been hearing about. It was beautiful. There were lights everywhere and everyone seemed to be thoroughly enjoying themselves.The colors really were spectacular.

P1010650 Local merchants were giving away special 3D glasses that enabled you to see dolphins when you looked at distant lights. Unfortunately they ran out of the glasses by the time we got there, but someone had kindly left a pair on a post in the marina and we were the lucky ones who found them. That meant we were able to enjoy seeing the dancing dolphins. It certainly was an amazing night in Dana Point, and the weather was perfect for walking all around the harbor.

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As we drove home to Mission Viejo, we spotted this beautifully lighted tree and it was a lovely finish to a fun night. We understand that the Holiday Light Show is to be an annual event, and we plan to make it a family tradition.

Easy and Delicious Oatmeal Cookies

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Oatmeal cookies are one of my favorites. I love cookies and I think of oatmeal cookies as being a healthier choice. I’m smiling at myself right now. It has been a very busy week, but I’m finally posting the recipe I promised several days ago. These cookies are delicious and the recipe is easy.

Ingredients

1 cup margarine or butter softened                                 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon

1 cup granulated sugar                                                     1 tsp baking soda

1 cup brown sugar firmly packed                                      1 tsp salt

2 eggs                                                                                3 cups oats uncooked

1 tsp vanilla extract                                                            2 cups all-purpose flour

2/3 cup raisins or 1 cup chopped nuts

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Cream butter and sugars until smooth.

Beat in eggs and vanilla.

In a separate bowl combine and blend thoroughly flour,cinnamon, baking soda and salt. Beat these dry ingredients into the creamed butter mixture. Stir in oats, and raisins or walnuts, which ever you prefer.
Drop rounded teaspoons full onto greased baking sheet. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until edges start to brown.

Makes about 6 dozen cookies.
Cool on a wire rack. Eat and enjoy with a cup of tea, coffee or a glass of milk.  They are also great to give as a seasonal gift to friends, neighbors, and family. cookies

Almost Ready for Christmas

Christmas CardsWe are almost ready for Christmas. In my last post I said I would write my Christmas cards the next day and I did. I usually take several days but this year I finished them all in one day. Our house is decorated inside and out, thanks to my very creative husband. Once he’s started, he just keeps going. He really is amazing!

Husband laying track

While Martin set up the train track I baked oatmeal cookies and gift wrapped them to give to friends.

oatmeal cookies

cookies

Yes, we’re definitely almost ready for Christmas. Tomorrow I’ll share my oatmeal cookie recipe with you. I know you’ll love it.

Blue Birds and Christmas

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I thought the blue birds were gone for the winter, but when I looked out the back patio door they were back. I grabbed my camera and got this photo of one taking his bath. It always makes me happy to see them.
Last Night we saw “Deck the Hall”, a wonderful concert presented by the California State University, Fullerton School of Music. I could have sat there all night listening to the three different choirs and the University Symphony Orchestra. I tend to get a bit stressed at Christmas time, as do many people, but listening to the music certainly put me in the holiday spirit.

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As we drove up our street we were greeted by our brightly lit house, a perfect end to a very special day. Tomorrow, Christmas cards!

The Christmas Party Season is Here.

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.