Project: apron

I've done it-my first 99.9% sewing project completed by myself*.

I found the pattern here, and it was pretty simple for me to work with being a first-timer. I'd estimate the project took about 5-6 hours to complete.

I do believe the bride enjoyed the gift :)

*After two hours on my own, small buttonhole work was subcontracted to my mom.

Arrivederci

He was a solver of brain teasers.

A chauffeur after school.

A storybook reader.

A corrector of driving skills.

A lover of ice cream.

A veteran.

A landscape manicurist.

An origami money maker.

A man devoted to his faith.

A frequent caller to Anaheim's Code Enforcement. (True, several cards in the Rolodex.)

A man full of trivia.

A man with the cleanest bathroom this side of the Mississippi.

A husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.

To me, my grandpa. Arrivederci Grandpa. A dopo. May you rest in peace.

The birthday

The birthday came, lingered, and went. A good one it was.

We had cupcakes and cake balls complete with song at work.

That night, Scott took me to a restaurant we've heard rave reviews about but had not tried-Il Garage at Park Ave. The Italian bistro portion of the restaurant-the garage- is in the garden where the chef sources his menu from- a menu that changes 25% each day. We'll definitely return.

The big trip for the bday consisted of a trip to the Huntington Library. An amazing place that one visit will never do justice.

The Blue boy...and Scott.

A path in the rose garden.

Mona Lisa Anemone.

She spoke to me. I don't recall the artist other than he was an American and amateur-which partly explains the oddness of the woman to me.

Magnolia trees.

Cactus garden...straight out of Dr. Seuss.

Massive fireplace in the Huntington's dining room accompanied by the original George W.

Thanks to Yelp, we had lunch at Roma Italian Grocery and Deli, which was delicious and a diamond in the rough of a strip mall. If you find yourself in Pasadena and craving a sandwich, by all means, go there. The little Italian man serving up The Sandwich-yes, there's only one-may offer you 10 year old cheese to sample. If he doesn't, by all means inquire-the people behind you won't mind you holding up the line. 1o year old provolone-ZOMG.

That night Rob and Kerri came up for dinner-Scott's famous steak, Brussels sprouts and aperitifs at the Twisted Vine. We wined, dined, and talked a little shop for the planning of my 10 year high school reunion. And Krob even me this awesome succulent planter.

Sunday night my parents, grandma, sister, her boyfriend and my in-laws celebrated at our local pizzeria. It was a birthday weekend well spent and I thank everyone who made it as special as it was, from the cards, texts, phone calls, emails and Facebook messages-cheers!

New Year's Eve 2011

Dinner and Drinks and darn good times with Blake and Priscilla.

Strolling down Harbor Blvd.


Running into favorite coworkers.


Cheers to 2011 and it's memories and welcoming 2012!