Not This Year, Mr. Tom!

Nope...this year the turkey and I each had our own special day...no sharing!

Thanksgiving, a most favorite holiday in the Hess household, was filled with preparing, cooking, setting table, eating, and games.  Not to mention all the laughing, teasing, and downright family fun!

Desserts were baked the night before (Pumpkin pie was still in the oven when this was taken)

Apple Cobbler and Shoofly Pie

The family is gathered....

The table is set with great-grandma's china and our wedding silver...

Dinner is served!

Friday marked the kickoff of our Broadway in Tucson series with the classic Cole Porter show, "Anything Goes."  What fun and frolic....super performance!

My weekend was complete on Saturday as friends and family celebrated my birthday.  It was a big one this year ~ "65" ~ hello Medicare!

We enjoyed a fabulous meal at the fabulous Fleming's Prime Steakhouse...

I don't discuss "gifts" on my blog, but I must share something very special with you.  After dinner, we came home to enjoy birthday cake and open cards and gifts. 

 Our Kiki won a gift card from her employer to none other than Tiffany's.  The sisters used the gift card to purchase a precious silver necklace for my birthday! My heart is touched by their generosity and selflessness.  We "did good," Ron!

It's time to go heat up leftovers and get my feet planted firmly on the ground.  Two weeks until my Trunk Show and lots to do!

I'm wishing you a week filled with thanksgiving and continued blessings.  Please know how I treasure you!
xoxo
Karen

Time Flies...

Time flies, especially when you wish it would not.  Such was the case as we said "so long" to Anna Marie after a fabulous 14 day visit.  Our days were packed to the brim and I don't think we could have asked for more ~ except maybe no winds on the day we picked to visit Mt. Lemmon.

The week began with brunch at one of Tucson's more famous local eateries...

Then we were off to antique at none other than MY favorite place...

On Tuesday we met up with Mandy at her salon where she gave her Aunt the guided tour...

Another day it was a visit to our beloved "Dove of the Desert, San Xavier Mission....

Dinner and Mariachis at Rigo's on Friday night...

A day trip to Willcox....

Our poor Schotzie is markedly absent from photos due to her work schedule ~ we really missed her!

Last Sunday was spent at the Window Depot Car Show....

Best in Show was none other than this sweet girl with her "pony."  

Oh, and I forgot to mention a LOT of shopping in between!

Well, "vacation" is over for now...time to get ready for Thanksgiving, holiday decorating, holiday baking, and my December 9th Trunk Show ~ Yikes!!

I've been very busy the past few days and I'll share a few things that have been on my workbench this week...

Well, dear friends, that does it for this week's blog.  Wishing you and yours all the blessings of Thanksgiving, wherever you may be ~ safe travels if you're traveling ~ and a feast day filled with the companionship and love of dear ones!

xoxo

Karen

All In The Family

This family is very blessed....everyone made it through the past week of Sandy's rampage with only minor inconvenience.  Little brother, who lives on the upper west side of Manhattan, was able to watch the Hudson River safely from his apartment...equating the river's dynamics to that of a Waring blender.  

On Long Island the folks were central, so a safe distance from the Atlantic and also Long Island Sound.

In PA our family and friends saw mere hiccups of power, winds and rain.  Philadelphia, one of the cities targeted for a severe hit, escaped with minimal fallout.  

Thank you dear God for blessing us...we continue to pray for those who suffer from Sandy's touch.

Not only was Sis able to keep her flight reservation for Thursday, but her plane touched down in Phoenix 25 minutes early!

She arranged to meet an old chum at the Arizona Biltmore, 

Sandie and Sis had not seen one another in 52 years!

Sweet Sandie treated us to a most delicious lunch at Frank and Alberts, aptly named for the architects of the hotel ~ Frank Lloyd Wright and his student Albert Chase McArthur.

Heading back to Tucson after lunch, we've managed to fill each day with activity ~ 

Friday included a trip up to the beautiful La Encantada center where Sis treated me to lunch at the incomparable "Blanco."

Next, we stopped in to MAC, so Sis could see her Goddaughter/Niece working her craft...

Friday night was a most delicious grilled dinner at home with "all hands on deck."

Sister and Brother shucking the corn

We spent the weekend shopping, checking in with the Scrap Happies, and visiting Ron at work...

attending Mass and finishing with  a family dinner on Sunday.

Today, Kiki, Sis and I are off to see what trouble we can get into at the 22nd Street Antique Mall ~ dangerous!!!

We have more adventures planned this week, so be sure to stop by again.  

Here are a couple of Halloween cuties I'd like to share with you...

Madonna

Cat Burglar

As always, I send you wishes for an end to troubles, a kiss of Autumn, and a most delightful week. 

 Remember to VOTE tomorrow....

xoxo
Karen