d e c e m b e r . 2 0 2 1

looking forward to the holidays! 

     we had plans to see Joyce but she got the virus and had to cancel her plans. :'-(  

 

     on the first Monday, I drove down to the bay area at mid-day - during a torrential rainstorm that had to rival a monsoon - and finished the day working at the Santa Clara office.  then I drove to Campbell to see Janet play in our express band, where she's the only French horn player. 

     lots of great music, some of which I've played in previous seasons.  I even got a late dinner at Happy Hound, my favorite hot dog joint where I had worked when I was 18.  I worked from the lodge where I stayed overnight, and drove home, again at mid-day, in much nicer weather.  there were so many accidents along both routes, but luckily none of them involved me or impacted my drives. 

 

     I am so glad I got to see them in concert in September.... Mike passed away this month

     didn't want to set up a tree so I got this cute bonsai to help with holiday spirit.  

     one of the holiday activities I participated in was with the entire bay area admin community.  we all gathered on a virtual meeting, and watched as a craft vendor stepped us through the process of creating our own terrariums.  Intel footed the bill to have the supplies shipped to us.  and here is the finished living product.

     I also MC'ed and helped with the scavenger hunt for our annual holiday party; we also played a lively game of bingo!  everyone who participated seemed to have a grand time gathering with each other and racing around looking for items.  we also had vouchers for home delivered food provided, so we had a great rounded out fun time!

 

     because of the winter fog, I decided I'd try taking the train to the bay area for work.  it takes three hours each way, but I've had a few round trips that have taken 5.5 hours total, so I figured if it took a similar amount of time, and I wasn't driving, it would be worth it.  on the two trips down, they were uneventful.  but the return trips were otherwise.  the first return home we had a two hour delay because someone had stalled their car on the tracks and abandoned it there.  we "bumped" it, and of course it took a couple hours for the investigation and removal.  luckily I was near the club car, and I got some wine and snacks to tide me over.  the second return trip home was also delayed but only for 30 minutes, when we were stopped by the raising of a bridge to allow for ocean-going traffic.  oh well, at least it wasn't an accident!  

  

     we went to Craig's work holiday party all the way down in Gilroy at a giant villa available through a home rental app.  here are pictures of the suite where we stayed overnight, so we wouldn't have to drive home after the party.  which was good.  because the drive down took 3.75 hours, and the drive home took nearly three. 

 

     that same weekend, on Sunday, we drove out to a new homes building site to take a look at the model homes.  if everything goes well, hopefully we'll have our own place next spring/summer! 

 

     for Christmas, Craig gave me a fitting for golf clubs!  Penny was very helpful and made sure that all of me weaknesses were addressed, so it should help me play a better game of golf.  They need to be built, and with the supply shortages, it might take a while, but it will be fun to learn and play again.