Prelude in E Minor for Piano - Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Out Of Africa Soundtrack - John Barry

It wouldn't be Thanksgiving in our house without the music from "Out of Africa" playing softly in the background.

Flight Over Africa

Go Away Little Girl Live

Donny Osmond

The holidays are drawing closer and plans are being made for my sister and two nieces to fly in from Portland, Oregon and join us for New Years. So I've been reflecting on childhood memories and endless days spent playing with my sister - who is only 14 months younger than me. We grew up more like twins!

Just a few weeks back - Oprah had the Osmond's on her show and made the comment that just the mere mention of Donny Osmond's name turns grown women into swooning girls. Well I hate to admit it but I am one of those still swooning over Donny. My 4th grade girl heart never has quite recovered from that smile and that voice - as my sister can attest to.

Memories

I just had to post these wonderful pictures from the Sally Scott catalogue. It reminded me so much of when I was 20 and all the fun I had with my best friend Karen (remember K. all those dinners, camping trips, adventures, and lots of other things we cannot mention...shhhh...). We made up our own rules and fun as we went - much like these girls hauling that table outside for a meal filled with great conversation and lots of laughter!!

Bottled Water

(OXO Travel Mug from Sur La Table)

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It takes the equivalent of 17 million barrels of oil to create the 900,000 tons of plastic used to bottle water in the U.S. last year - as a result 2.5 million tons of carbon dioxide were created and almost 90% of those bottles ended up being thrown in the trash instead of the recycling.

That is so shocking! I now keep a stainless steel (inside and out) travel mug filled with tap water in the refrigerator at all times. I can take it with me in a moments notice or sip from it right from refrigerator whenever I'm thirsty. I also have smaller ones for all the kids - so handy.

Our amazing talented son Benjamin turns 20 today. He came into this world at almost 10 lbs and after 21 hours of labor nearly did me in but he has been a complete joy from the minute we laid eyes on him. Happy Birthday Ben!! - I guess you really are all grown up.

Benjamin Turns 20