A Birthday Tea Party

Well, I finally threw my first tea party.  It happened to be for my daughter Kathleen’s 6^th birthday.  It also happened to be a success. The girls loved it…everyone loved it. 

I had invited a few of Kathleen’s closest friends [which included some cousins, too] and with those little girls came their rambunctious brothers – whom also enjoyed being a part of the tea party, I might add!  Sadly, a few of the girls were unable to make it, including one who had pink eye… but there is always next year.

I had to do a little research, but I had been to a tea party – or two – before and knew the basics.  I was a little nervous because every attempt I have made in the past at getting decorations to look like a Better Homes and Gardens cover had been a total fail.  But I must say: it turned out very cute.

I looked at different tea party themes and was torn between lemon and strawberry – so, I combined the two! 

We had lemon scones with lemon curd, strawberry cookies, hamand cheese tea sandwiches and pirate punch [which my husband couldn't get enough of]. 

It was only upon clean-up that I remembered the quiche…

*sigh* 

Guess I’ll just have to enjoy those a little later!  ;)

I went to Goodwill to find the – intentionally - mismatched tea set: which the girls were able to keep as a little gift and reminder of this day! 

The food was great – even the pickiest of critics enjoyed it.  The company was a delight.  The weather was perfect [what’s not to like about 78 degrees in sunny San Diego?!]... and I can honestly say that I am looking forward to the next occasion on which I can plan a tea party…isn’t Valentine’s day coming up?? 

Enjoying the Great Outdoors

We are the outdoorsy types:  we love to camp [tent and RV], we love to hike and we love to enjoy all of creation.  This should come as no surprise since we have moved into a 39’ trailer in November.

This summer our family found a new love: our RZR 1000.  Well, let me restate that.  It’s not so much the RZR itself, but the quality time it allows our family to have and the different adventures on which it takes us.

 

 

We can just hop in a find trails right from our property.  Several times we have ventured up Otay Mountain which overlooks all of San Diego County.  You can see lakes and even Mexican Islands 20 miles out to sea!

We recently went to a place called Corral Canyon.  We ended up covering over 20 miles winding through oak trees and splashing through mud puddles.  We climbed higher and higher until the air was scented with pine and the trees towered over us.

And the views…

The views were breathtaking.  Pictures could never do them justice.

Once we reached the top of the mountain we had a little picnic.  Although, it was so cold we were thinking of ways that we could have crockpot chili to warm us up instead. 

It’s one of those times when you keep talking about it and are planning the next trip before you even get home.

 

I am excited for our next adventure…we are in desert season, after all.  Superstition Mountains, here we come!

Dubiosity by Christy Barritt

I was blessed to receive a copy of Dubiosity to review. I started it on December 26th before bed. I was so tired that I could not keep my eyes beyond the first couple of chapters.

So yesterday, I settled myself in my new chair in front of the wood burning stove, with my blanket and pillows. I did not move for hours as I read this romantic suspense.

Dang, Christy did it again!

She held my attention from cover to cover as the story of Savannah Harris unfolded page after page.

My only complaints:

1. I get nothing accomplished when reading Christy's books
2. They end way too soon and I have to wait for the next one

I have enjoyed every book I have ever read from Christy Barritt. Some I liked more than others. Dubiosity definitely goes into my "favorite" category.

Summary of Dubiosity

Savannah Harris vowed to leave behind her old life as an intrepid investigative reporter. But when a friend raises suspicions about two migrant workers who’ve gone missing from the sleepy coastal town Savannah calls home, her curiosity spikes. 

As ever more eerie incidents begin afflicting the area, each works to draw Savannah out of her seclusion and raise the stakes—for both Savannah and the surrounding community. Even as Savannah’s new boarder, Clive Miller, makes her feel things she thought long forgotten, she suspects he’s hiding something too, and he’s not the only one. Doubts collide in Savannah’s mind: Who can she really trust? 

As secrets emerge and danger closes in, Savannah must choose between faith and uncertainty. One wrong decision might spell the end…not just for her, but for everyone around her. 

Will she unravel the mystery in time, or will doubt get the best of her?

Buy the book.

Other Books Reviews:

• Hunted by Christy Barritt
• Random Acts of Murder by Christy Barritt