Driving Back

My husband always complains about the Alabama roads. Just as we crossed over the state line he made a comment along the lines "Can you tell we're in Alabama?". Of course I had to reply with the following - "Yes, because your bitching!"

After Christmas Shopping

Elisabeth and I had some Kohls cash so we wanted to head out to spend that and catch any good sales. At Kohls I picked up two t-shirt like turtle necks. Then at Belks was able to find two purses on sale - one black for work and a light brown for my casual days. Elisabeth was also trying to find something for her New Year's Eve plans.

Cooking With Portia

Portia made one fabulous dinner for us! We had a beef tenderloin that is cooked in a salt encrusted dough wrap to aid in the flavoring. The sides were thinly sliced steamed brussels sprouts and cauliflower in a creamy parmesan sauce. White tea with ginger for a drink. And for dessert . . . an apple tart pie (no picture of this).

Salt Encrusted Beef Tenderloin

One Fabulous Dinner
Rachel, Elisabeth, Portia & Kelly

Snow on Locust Hill

Christmas 2010

This year we did travel to Knoxville. Got on the road Christmas Eve and had a nice trip up. Portia and Gene had a roast and real mashed potatoes ready for us upon arrival. We knew snow was on the way so while chatting that night we were looking for it to arrive. Woke up to see that the snow had not really been that much during the night. While waiting on breakfast, buckwheat pancakes by Gene, we noticed that the snow started to fall! After Elisabeth's arrival to the house we were ready to start the unwrapping! Our plan for the day was to wear pjs and watch multiple Christmas movies. We started with Love Actually, one of my favorites! Snow was still falling too. Portia made yummy spinach and cheese dip for us to snack on before dinner. It was a nice and relaxing day with family, friends and great food!

Message

I can't recall exactly when, but possibly about a month ago someone painted in white "You are beautiful" on a bridge over the Red Mountain Expressway. While, I don't agree with graffiti on property that does not belong to you it was nice to see such a nice message for a change. On Christmas Eve I was driving to work and I noticed that the message was no longer a positive message. Instead in red paint the word beautiful was covered up with a not so nice way to say ugly. I wondered how quickly that would get cleaned up? Later that night I read that some of the lanes were closed on the expressway while city workers painted over the profanity.

Book Reading: Rice

I started strong and then the holiday activities hit, but I have finally finished reading Condoleezza Rice's new book Extraordinary Ordinary People. I really enjoyed it! To read about all the things she has accomplished even at such a young age is just amazing to me. I feel like such a slacker! I am looking forward to her next book.