Over the River

... and through the woods... to the west side of town we go.  On Wednesday my sweetheart and I headed to Bridgeport Village to the .. (cue harp music here) the APPLE store.  Mecca.  The place full of elves in red t-shirts with white apples on the front.  Where we picked up my secret xmas gift.  o<[]:{D 

I've been a devotee of Apple from the day we bought our very first Mac SE - the cute little box shaped thing that opened our world up beyond what I ever dreamed.  Who would have thought we'd go from that little box to a computer/phone you hold in your hand?  I've attended 3 MacWorld Expos in San Francisco, which is like trick-or-treating for free things like software CDs, t-shirts, mouse pads, etc.  I also visited mecca, the Apple campus at Cupertino, and got to buy a few cool things in their gift shop, like a leather laptop bag and coin purse which I still use. Nothing will dampen my ardor for this company and it's products.  Long live Apple!  :-)  OK, I'm calm now.  

Bridgeport Village is a really nice place.. lots of cool shops and a fountain and theater, etc.  I was charmed by the little Santa's cottage set up in the plaza and the giant, beautifully decorated tree.

There was even an elf by the tree!  Not really, this little girl was posing for her mom.

Then yesterday we were invited to Dayle's sister's house for a holiday luncheon and visit.  Dayle tried a recipe for bread that a lot of bloggers are trying.  You make the dough the night before, let it rise over night, then bake it in a dutch oven that is pre-heated in the oven. 

I can recommend this if you love crusty bread with a fine grain inside and only FOUR ingredients.  

We headed out yesterday for his sister's house with warm bread and 2 little snow jars.  Darlene's home was decorated beautifully for the holiday.. the tree was gorgeous!

The mantel had a collection of glass candlesticks and vintage style Santas.

Darlene and Bill had a gorgeous ham in the oven and made cheesy potato bake and green beans and bacon on the stove.  When it was ready, I cut the bread.

The bread was a success, crusty, fine texture inside and good flavor.

We were so impressed with the ham, that we're going to get the same one (from Costco) for our Christmas dinner!  It was delicious!  Dayle's other sister, Eileen, brought an apple blackberry pie for dessert.  A FEAST!

From left, Bill, me, Dayle, sister Darlene, sister Eileen and Bob.  Fun times!

I had to snap a photo of the fresh fruit centerpiece.. the grapes were yummy!

Pretty.

I didn't get a good shot of their adorable dog Zoey, a Labradoodle, Bill heard me say I didn't get a photo, and last night he sent this to me.  Can you say awwwwww?  She's so cuddly!

I had to show you my vintage Advent candelabra that I found on eBay.  When it arrived here it had no bulbs or candle rings.  I found those online and here it is in the family room bay window.  I can't tell you how much I'm enjoying seeing it as I pull in our driveway at night, beckoning me home.  

Bad news about my other candelabra.. the dog jumped up on the windowsill, pulling on the cord and toppling it to the floor.  I found it last night when I noticed it was not in the window.  I was so sad, as it was a bit bent and not working.  The guys did some "fixing" and I put in all new lightbulbs.  It worked, but it was way too bright.. then poof, all the bulbs burned out and turned black.  I have no idea if we can fix it.  Silly electronics.  

Anyway.. we have a low key weekend planned.  I will be spiffing up the place and we have to go buy a salmon.  I am hosting my blog friends for a luncheon on Monday and I'm providing a smoked salmon main dish.  The girls are bringing salad, bread and dessert.  

If you are a NW blogger and want to join us next time, email me and I'll let you know when we meet for lunch.

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*M*E*R*R*Y* *C*H*R*I*S*T*M*A*S*!*

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((hugs)), Teresa :-)