Buffie and I are off to Durham tonight (flight is at 7 pm). We are going to pack up my house since the moving company is coming on January 4th to put everything in storage. My house sold and it closes on January 10th. Buffie flies back on January 2nd. I will be driving my car back from North Carolina. (John and Eunice have the 'sweet ride' back in the garage in Lakeville ~ no more driving the 1992 Tauras)

Celebrated Karla's 40th birthday. We will be taking a train to Chicago for a weekend in March/April. I am just hoping not to repeat the 'ugly' train as seen in Sex And The City.

Kristin, Joe, Evan, Kora and Kate were in town for Christmas. We (Ted, Amy, Carolyn) enjoyed a fantastic meal at Town Talk Diner.

Evan and Spike (notice the sparkling clean angel)


Joe and Kora - Love the angel smile on Kora


Kristin and Kate

Becky Balzer, a friend from Augsburg, and I met up for dinner in Eagan.




December 26th - Met up with Jen Carlson, friend from Augsburg. We met for breakfast at the Uptown Bar. We then shopped at Patina.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

My family got together on Christmas Eve. We went to the 4:30 service at Christiania.


Back Row: David, Carissa, Megan, JT and Ben
Front Row: Marie, Spike, Sam


Tom bought Greg some very important presents


Check out dad's beautiful smile!


Ben got Spike some googles - Spike is very excited to wear them in the convertible.

Met up with Steve Etzell, Kris Willardson and Larry (Santa) Fasching at Santorini's. It was so nice to get caught up with them - We worked together at Select Comfort.

Met up with Jennifer Fox for dinner. We went to a delicious Thai restaurant. Seattle is so gorgeous.



Jennifer and Joel have two precious Yorkies - Stewart and Oliver

Met up with Jen and Joel Fox in Seattle. I worked with Jen at Carlson Companies.




We went to the Pike Place Market. I put money in the pig and made a wish.




It was very hazy/overcast but still had beautiful weather.

Jess and I attended a cocktail party on Saturday night - Grace and Abby stayed home with Rob and watched The Grinch.

I am now hanging out with Rob and Jess Deakin. Abby (2) and Grace (4) looking beautiful. Grace was shouting 'Santa' instead of 'cheese'.



I attended Grace's Holiday program ~ She did such a great job!

I got together with Barry and Cheryl Rogich. It is always nice to visit with them.





We enjoyed a lovely lunch at Bookbinders (est 1865)

Stopped by the old neighborhood on Friday night. Judy and John hosted a Holiday party for all of the neighbors. It was great seeing everyone. The pomegranate martinis were AWESOME! I need the recipe.

Friday - Lunch - Met up with Troy and Renee, friends for Select Comfort, at Bella in Blaine.

Finnegans hosted a volunteer appreciation party at O'Gara's last night. We collected gifts for The Link, a shelter for homeless teens in Minneapolis. The event was a success.

Here I am with Shawn Winn, a friend from high school.




The Vulcans attended the party. I was afraid that my hair was going to catch on fire.

I met up with Michelle Derdzinski last night. It had been 2 1/2 years since I last saw her. We hung out in Uptown for over six hours, it was great getting caught up on everything. She is busy with her job and trying to fit in school. She is interested in nursing and/or physical therapy. She is quite remarkable. I am so proud of her.

Saturday:
Evening: Went to Primetime Bar and Grill in Burnsville to see Boogie Wonderland. I went with Lisa Saathoff and her cousin Julie and two of Lisa's friends. I met Becky Balzer at the bar. I had a great time dancing to all the great DISCO songs. I ran into Shelly and Kurt Habeck - they do exist!!! It was very nice to catch up with them. Shelly looks exactly the same.

Morning: Attended my nephew, JT, basketball tournament held in Farmington. He won the two games. He had an unbelievable second game. I ran into Kirsten Harrison (maiden name Johnson) a friend from Augsburg College. I hadn't seen Kirsten since 2000 when I was working at Select Comfort in Eden Prairie and she worked in the same office building.

Happy December! Time flies when you are having fun! Spike and I have spent the week at Buffie and John's house. Sampson and Spike have been playing non-stop. Last night the two were sleeping on Sampson's dog bed together. Spike and I are off to Lakeville today. Mom and I are going to do some Christmas shopping. I also need to take the Christmas photo of Spike and I ~ don't expect cards until after the holidays. (first time for everything)

Have a great weekend!
Thanks for stopping
Carol