Downton, Anyone?

The season is nearly over.  I am still upset over Sybill, I don't quite know what I should do with my Free John Bates tote now, and I am not at all sure if I can take whatever horrible tragedy is coming tonight,  according to a friend who has read all the spoilers!  I guess I am officially a Downton addict and it is carrying over into the social life.  For fun this year I hosted a 20's themed wine tasting.  And, scandalous as it may seem, the food was just all laid out on the table and the guests grabbed what the wanted and ate anywhere.

I know, black tie of all things!

Food, wine, friends and glamorous clothing, what more could you ask of in a great evening!

And while I would prefer Lady Mary's look, my hair was a closer match to Lady Edith in style.  (Amazing Tutorial Here)

 Whatever am I going to do with my Sunday evenings now?

Vegas!!!

yep, the ceiling in the lobby of the Bellagio - Chihuly!  And the view from our room.......

Amazing!  I have never been - never desired to go, but we and another couple went, and wow, my opinion of Vegas has changed.

Gorgeous sites, elegant hotels, truly spectacular views.....

...... the water from the fountains reached higher than our room, on the 11th floor!

and best of all, the most amazing food I have ever eaten!  

Looking at this I am having flashbacks to Memphis   :)

and the chocolate fountain in the hotel was enough to make this former confectionary artist pause.

Dinner at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant.    And the reason for our visit?  We are kind of groupies.

 Love this man.  Love his music.  Can't believe the King of country is retiring from touring!  Can't believe I had a no good camera that wouldn't zoom - left the DSLR at home to avoid the hassles of transporting it on the plane, was really wishing I had it as we had great seats and the shots would have been amazing.  Instead I am settling for camera phone shots from my husband.  Well, it's not the last one we will be at, next time my good camera is coming!

Can you guess where I went last weekend?

One Step Closer to Completion

 

Venti is Twenty

I don't just sit around watching You-t*be videos, really, but my husband forwarded this on yesterday - and I just couldn't stop laughing.  It reminded me of when W*ndy's changed their fries from small medium and large to "large, biggie and great-biggie sized".  I went in circles with a girl one time trying to order a medium.  She explained they didn't sell a medium fry.  I asked how many sizes they had, and she replied three.  I said well, then one is small, one is medium, and one is large, I don't care what you call them, I want the middle one!  Wish I had know this little fact as well, would have pointed that out to them at the time!  So, if you need a quick laugh to brighten your day, enjoy:

Worldwide Financial Collapse Explained in 3 Minutes

Back in Formation

We are back with Donna this weekend enjoying another session of CGS Level 3 Formation.  

While there are many areas that will need a lot of adaptation, it is nice to find those moments when the word of God speaks and we all hear the message as one.  Those moments often come in the exploration of the parables, and the Level 3 parables have been a beautiful experience.

We pondered the beauty and importance of forgiveness in the parable of the debtors, the incredible grace of God who offers the light to all and the responsibility we have in responding to that grace through the parables of the 10 Bridesmaids and the Wedding Feast,

and the glorious Paschal words of St. John Chrysostom came echoing in our hearts and minds as we read together the parable of the workers in the vineyard.  One last day and we will be headed home, but it is such a joyful time to spend immersed in learning and looking forward to bringing these presentations back home to our older children in the church.