Monday, December 19, 2011

~CITY SIDEWALKS..~

..busy sidewalks
dressed in holiday style..
in the air there's a feeling
of Christmas!
What fun it all was.  An evening of jostling with the crowds, smiling face (some cranky) children pointing with their little faces all smiles, and later good food in a little crowded cafe'.
The best part is we were with family laughing and having fun!
Patient Husband and I at the Mission Inn. Is there more to the story?  Well...yes...it was CROWDED!


The right jolly old elf and I!  Can you see my look of hero worship?? 
I told him "We match!" and he said "Oh?  Well where's your beard!"  I mean, what a smarty pants!
I would have pulled his beard and went pee pee tinkle on his lap..but decided I was way too old for such antics!  I told him I always shaved before I went on a date.  He just "HO HO HO'ed!" and that was that!  Santa is a lot of fun!  First time in 75 years I ever got to talk to him.  Whata guy!
What did I wish for?  World peace of course! :)  So..tell me, what would you ask for??
(about that other?  I may just be the right age for such antics after all!) :):)


Daughter Mary and me.  It was cold and Mary was chattering a bit.  We sang Silver Bells...and had a blast!  She is as crazy as her mother. 

The front of the Mission Inn in Riverside.  Lots of traffic..city sidewalks,
busy sidewalks..
dressed in holiday style..
It was beautiful.  Wish I could have gotten better photo's.



The figures were antimated and each was playing an instrument.  The music was beautiful...


I was being jostled by the crowd that you see in the lower part of the photo..but I did the best I could. 


It was nearly impossible to get inside and after about 45 minutes we ducked under the rope and went out the back way.
On the way out I ran into...that smarty mouthed Santa Claus you saw me hanging out with earlier.
I promised him that if he were good I would leave cookies out for him this year.  He promised and we were both happy. 

And the two very patient husbands that escorted us, waited for us and love us very much.
The end

Merry Christmas!
Love,
Mona
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29 comments:

  1. Chatty CroneDecember 19, 2011 at 4:11 PM

    Merry Christmas to you and your family. The lights were so enjoyable. Love, sandie

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  2. The Bear's BlogDecember 19, 2011 at 4:20 PM

    Miss Mona, tinkle on Santa's lap? NO, no, no.... not a good idea with just a few days till Christmas Eve. Heck, he has a sense of humor you know, and maybe he would have left you Depends. Giggle.

    Be a good girl, I am. Hugs to my friend, Abby.

    Love,
    Prudence

    Merry Christmas

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  3. CatsngramsDecember 19, 2011 at 4:32 PM

    What beautiful pics. Looks like so much fun

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  4. Joanne KennedyDecember 19, 2011 at 5:53 PM

    I've never been there but I have heard it is beautiful. Your post has made me want to really take the time to go.

    The picture of you and your hubby is darling. You should print it out and use it as your part of your decorations every year.

    Miss you! Promise me that we can get together next year for lunch and a long long chat.

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  5. ~Lavender Dreamer~December 19, 2011 at 5:54 PM

    What great photos of you and hubby...and you and Santa! I wish I could take nighttime light photos as well as you! Enjoy your week, my friend! Happy holidays! ♥♥♥

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  6. Carrie@comfortablycarriedawayDecember 19, 2011 at 5:57 PM

    Looks like such a fun place to visit. These are the times that memories are made of. The photo of you and Santa is priceless!

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  7. Sweet Cottage DreamsDecember 19, 2011 at 6:04 PM

    what a magical night you and your family had! you are such a flirt though! love santa's reply back...what a hoot!

    have a very merry christmas, mona!

    xxo
    becky

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  8. Kays KidsDecember 19, 2011 at 7:13 PM

    Dear Mona, What joy you gave to me, showing me those wonderful lights. It looked like fairy land. You were adoring Santa, I could see it in your eyes. How could you even think of peeing on him, May be come to think of it, I don't think the children think of it either, it just happens.
    Sounds like a night to remember.
    Hugs
    kay

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  9. ShugDecember 19, 2011 at 7:34 PM

    Hi Mona...This is one of my favorite songs...I love singing it and my family all knows that it is a must at Christmas....These are gorgeous pictures of the lights, of you and your family....I know that this must have been a magical experience in your heart..You are a Blessing to so many people!
    hugs,
    shug

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  10. Cindy (Applestone Cottage)December 19, 2011 at 8:16 PM

    Now that looks like a lot of fun Mona! And don't you look cute on santa's lap!
    Merry Christmas my friend,
    Cindy

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  11. yayaDecember 19, 2011 at 8:39 PM

    How fun! That is one good looking Santa..love his real beard too! The Mission Inn looks so beautiful. You did great with the pics! I'm glad you had such a great time. Merry Christmas to you too!

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  12. AnonymousDecember 20, 2011 at 3:31 AM

    Well I just think your photos are awesome! What a fabulous time it looks as though you had.

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  13. JeanDecember 20, 2011 at 5:07 AM

    Mona the pictures are nice and I can see how pretty it was there. Very festive! I wish for you and yours a very blessed and Merry Christmas! Don't forget the cookies for Santa!

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  14. AnonymousDecember 20, 2011 at 6:24 AM

    That place looks so beautiful!

    Have a great day!
    Christer.

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  15. Marty@A Stroll Thru LifeDecember 20, 2011 at 6:38 AM

    Oh the lights are beautiful and it looks like you all had such a fun time. Being with family is always the best. Hugs, marty

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  16. LonaDecember 20, 2011 at 7:00 AM

    How beautiful all the lights are. Looks so festive. Flirting with Santa were we? LOL! How fun.
    Wishing you and yours a very Merry and Blessed Christmas Mona.

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  17. BalishaDecember 20, 2011 at 7:35 AM

    There's an award for you at my blog...Balisha

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  18. Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise)December 20, 2011 at 7:46 AM

    Just goes to show ya, your never to old to believe in Santa. Aren't you two just too darn stinkin' cute!!!

    Loved your beautiful photos. Girl, whatcha' talkin' about...those are fabulous night~light photos. It's not and easy capture and you succeeded fabulously!

    I wanna come, it all looks so very magical!

    Thanks for lettin' us tag along sweetie.

    God bless and have a bright and beautiful Christmas dear friend! :o)

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  19. Ceekay-THINKIN of HOMEDecember 20, 2011 at 9:18 AM

    We were there last year and it was cold then too! It is beautiful though...enjoyed one of those cupcakes too!!

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  20. Penny from Enjoying The Simple ThingsDecember 20, 2011 at 1:10 PM

    It sounds like a wonderful time! How beautiful those lights all look...

    Merry Christmas!

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  21. Boo-Bah AKA IrisDecember 20, 2011 at 4:31 PM

    I looks like it was a fun and beautiful evening. I love all the pretty lights at Christmas time.

    What wonderful pictures of you and your husband.

    Thanks for your visit. Yes my four furries are quite a little family and keep me busy with all their care.

    If we don't connect before, Have a Very Merry Christmas.

    Hugs
    Iris

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  22. jp@A Green RidgeDecember 20, 2011 at 4:38 PM

    OMG! I thought you were at "The Mission Inn" a B & B that my sister in law owns in NJ!...:)JP

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  23. Barbara JeanDecember 20, 2011 at 4:45 PM

    wonderful pictures, of the lights, and you and your family
    looks so fun!!

    blessings
    barbara jean

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  24. The Bear's BlogDecember 21, 2011 at 6:05 AM

    http://cindyadkinswhimsicalmusings.blogspot.com/

    Our instructions were to leave someone's first name on Cindy's Blog and then go and tell that person what a blessing they are in our life.

    I picked you. Yes, my life has changed since we have become friends.

    Merry Wednesday, my dear friend.

    Hugs

    Me too, Miss Mona.
    Love,
    Prudence

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  25. bjDecember 21, 2011 at 9:13 AM

    You and daughter are beautiful....
    the men....both HUNKS...well, even ole Santa is cute. :))

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  26. Mid-Atlantic MarthaDecember 21, 2011 at 3:58 PM

    Love thi picure of you and patient hubby. This looks like a fun evening. Thanks for taking us along.

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  27. Celestial CharmsDecember 21, 2011 at 10:11 PM

    Looks like lots of fun was had by all.
    Mona, I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas. Hope this coming New Year brings you all plenty of good health and of course, happiness! :)
    Maureen

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  28. Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart)December 22, 2011 at 10:33 AM

    Hi darling, I love the pictures of you and hubby and daughter Mary, they are priceless. What beautiful city lights. I'm glad you got to chat with Santa I know he's going to bring you everything on your list.. thank you so much for always putting a smile on my face with each and every comment you leave.. you are just the sweetest person God brought into my life.
    Happy Holidays hugs ~lynne~

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  29. Cindy AdkinsDecember 22, 2011 at 10:09 PM

    Hi Mona,
    Oh my gosh--I am in New Orleans, but I only moved here 5 years ago...I am from Calif. Well, for 3 years now, my girlfriend told me she was going to the Mission Inn in Riverside--I had no idea it was so spectacular!!! This is amazing!

    So nice to meet you--and I agree with you--Joyce is such a doll and she makes such gorgeous treasures.

    Your home and your tree are so exquisite!!!
    XO
    Cindy

    ReplyDelete

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