Thursday, December 22, 2011

Christmas in the Desert

Irish Nativity set that was displayed along with about 60 others. This was all part of the Mormon Christmas in Mesa. This was one of my favorite ones. They had these Nativities from all around the world. We were there on a Saturday night to look at the lights. This was in their visitors center but on Saturday the line was so long to get in there. Pudge & I returned Monday about 10 am and we were the only ones there.
I liked this one a lot. It is the Fisher Price Nativity.
This is the room where they all were displayed. There are some tables that are not in this picture. It was amazing and so very glad we went back to see this.
This was a huge scene on the grounds of this big Mormon temple. It was beautiful. There were several of these life size displays telling the story of the birth. There was one where Mary and Joseph were traveling by donkey. She was on the donkey and one thing that I found fascinating was the fact that you could tell she was very definitely pregnant.
John, Shannon, & Gloria under a tunnel of lights
This Mormon light display was so incredibly fantastic. It was unbelievable and these pictures do not give it justice at all. This is only a small part of the whole thing. I am here to tell you that it was amazing. It left one speechless and gasping for breath. Could not help but think "Oh! the work that it must have took."
Part of the story. The 3 kings. They really used spatial design to make this really effective.
At the boat parade in Tempe. Notice Pudge in shorts. It was a nice evening. Just cool enough to weaqr light jackets. No cold toes or noses.
This boat parade was spectacular. The decorating was great and then it would reflect on the water making it even more incredible.
The moon was out in full force making it a very pleasant evening to watch this boat parade.
Now one of the big reasons I am blogging about all of this is because I went back and read my old blogs. I discovered by doing that how great it is to read about my world. Now how egotistical is that previous statement? I guess what I mean is that I really like the documentation about what I have done, seen and thought. With that being said more blogging will be coming.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Golf Cart Parade-12/7/11

After the parade there is a show with different entertainment. All kind of homemade cookies and hot chocolate are served. Usually lasts about 30-45 minutes. The Sunsationals performed this year with a darling dance "Sleigh Ride." I was not a part of this because they learned it over the summer. They made me proud because they looked so good.
Waiting in costume at the auditorium. I thought they were very cute. BTW--I am now on that committee.
Performing on stage.
The bear on back of my golf cart with her little tap shoes on.
Here she is!! In all her glory with the pink lights.
Linup of many of the other golf carts.
This is the cart that carried the Grand Marshall and led the parade.
Dale is our neighbor. He wrote a memoir about his experiences on D-Day along with other things about the war. I read it twice because it was so amazing.

The military is well represented. There are many resident veterans. Here are our very dear, sweet neighbors--Dale and Louella Olson. Love these two!
Backing out of driveway with decorated "Minnie." Clarification for the name--Her first name is "Minnie." Middle name "Sota." Last name "Berg." Get it? Thank you Diane Martin Lepinski for that name. The red chairs in our driveway (and neighbors) were brought around from our back patio for our guests to watch the parade which went right down our street.
In the lineup by the auditorium. It was a beautiful evening. We had to be there by 5:00 and parade started at 5:30. Side note of information--in this land of old people you come to realize that if you get to an event 5 minutes before it starts you will absolutely be the very last one to arrive. Take note that when the time is set you need to be there 30 minutes before and even with that you will probably be one of the last ones--not the last one but close to it. The cart next to me was a Red Hat group and the Queen Mum was the one honored. It was really cute. Wish there was more of it showing.
Here are the Sunsationals with the organizer of the parade. It is customary to have a shot of blackberry brandy before the start. I can barely get it to my lips. It is so much like Nyquil it is not even funny. Hate it. But that was OK because I had a thermos of peppermint patties on my cart (hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps.) Just for the record-- it sounds like this is a big drinking ordeal--it is not.
Lineup at auditorium.

Reasons for this blog:
1. Want to get this documented for posterity.
2. Share the fun.
3. Get on the top of sidebars on other blogs for awhile.
This is the 2nd year I have participated in this parade. The Sunsationals have a fleet of golf carts decorated in pink (that is our signature color) and it is really so much fun.
There were probably about 25 golf carts decorated differently for this parade. I am amazed at the creativity that is displayed. A marching band from a local high school adds to the festivities. There is a float or two, a trailer with a garage band and decorated bicycles among other things .
None of this is in order. And I bet when I post it the paragraphs disappear. Oh well--so be it.