Posted in April, authors, Birthdays, blooms, camera, chocolate, dessert, desserts, Disney, Disneyland, drinks, Family, food, friends, humor, Jansen Schmidt, Jenny Hansen, love, spring break, Tequila, vacation, words, World of Color, writers, writing, tagged 50th birthday, Anaheim, beignets, birthdays, Cafe Orleans, California Adventure park, castle, Enchanted Sam's Tiki Bar, happy hour, House of Blues, mimosa, princess, Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen, Sleeping Beauty castle, Steakhouse 55, tiara on April 14, 2014| 21 Comments »
I’m back from a fabulous trip with my sweetie to the happiest place on earth. Yes it was crowded. Yes it was cold. Yes I had a fantastic time. Here are some of the highlights: (Please keep in mind that I’m on vacation, not a lot of make-up action going on.)
Birthday mimosa! Photo by Corey Rickrode
You all know there’s going to be alcohol involved. This was my first day brunch at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen.
Mickey and the Magical Map. Photo by P. Rickrode
Cool new stage show with singing, dancing and awesome special effects. I love me some good theater.
A princess and her castle. Photo by C. Rickrode.
I’m waiting for my ladies’ maids to bring my tiara and glass slippers. Pay no attention the crowd behind me. I invited them all into my home for tea.
Birthday happy hour! Photo by P. Rickrode
Did I mention there was going to be alcohol? Hey, I turned 50, there was lots of alcohol. This was my birthday happy hour celebration at the House of Blues in Downtown Disney. Yes, this was my second drink. I can’t remember what it was called, but it was refreshing.
Happy birthday to me. Complimentary dessert for the birthday girl at Steakhouse 55. Photo by C. Rickrode
Yes I am wearing my birthday button and yes I did get a lot of free desserts. Wish there’d have been free alcohol, but I’ll take what I can get. This was the end of my delicious birthday dinner at Steakhouse 55 at the Disneyland Hotel. Yes, it’s chocolate.
Me and Mr. Potato Head. Photo by C. Rickrode
Just some clowning around while we wait – for a very long time – in line.
My home of the future, complete with self-playing piano. Photo by C. Rickrode
Had I known self-playing pianos were going to inhabit every home in the future, I would not have wasted 20 years on lessons. And yes, I am bundled up – inside – because it was freaking cold.
Spring gardens at California Adventure. Photo by P. Rickrode
Come on – you knew it was coming. I can’t go anywhere without photographing the foliage.
Mickey beignet at Cafe Orleans. Photo by C. Rickrode
Did I mention free desserts? Hey I milked that birthday button for all it was worth. I’m 50 damn it – give me my free stuff.
So there you have it. A glimpse of my So. Cal. experience. Absent is a photo with Jenny Hansen. We met at Enchanted Sam’s Tiki Bar for drinks, but in my excitement I forgot to snap a photo. What a lovely treat to meet a lovely lady. Thanks for the birthday ginger pear martini, Jenny. The next round’s on me.
Have you ever been to Disneyland? What’s your favorite birthday memory? Do you take advantage of free stuff?
Word of the Day: Hexapod
Fun fact about me: My ears are pierced 3 times.
Original post by Jansen Schmidt, April 2014. Original photos by the family Rickrode.
Posted in authors, Autumn, blogging, driving, first car, friends, Jansen Schmidt, resolutions, romance, words, writers, writing, tagged birthdays, brunch, celebration of life, celebration of life tree, Holly's Hill Winery, new car, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Impreza, w ine tasting on October 7, 2013| 14 Comments »
I don’t know about you, but for me September went out with a bang. It seems like I was always running from one important event to another.
My dear sweet husband and I decided that when we got back home from vacation we would look into getting him a new vehicle to drive. He’d been researching and looking for just the right car and we finally spent one whole day test driving and haggling over a new car. He ended up with a 2013 Subaru Impreza sedan, not his first choice, but a very nice vehicle in our price range.
Corey’s new wheels
Photo courtesy Google Images
The very next day, my father announced that his car needed about $4,000 worth of repairs and it was time to turn it in for a new one. So, I spent another whole day car shopping with my dad. He ended up with a 2013 shiny black, Nissan Rogue equipped with many features he will never understand or use. Needless to say, the car shopping is over for a very long time.
Next, I celebrated the birthday of one of my dearest friends on a beautiful Sunday. We had brunch on the patio, enjoyed some wine tasting and quality girl time. Happy birthday, Debbi! (Isn’t she cute?)
My dear friend, Debbi Sanders.
That same weekend (here’s your shout out Kirk), some long-time friends of mine celebrated 35 years of marriage with a vow renewal ceremony, followed by a picnic in the park. It was delightful to connect with some friends I haven’t seen in many, many years and share in this joyous event. Congratulations Kirk and Holli Ehnisz, thank you for including me on your very special day. May you enjoy many more years of wedded bliss.
And then I attended a celebration of life party, honoring the life of Mr. Bob Seed who passed away on September 5th following a long battle with cancer. His beautiful wife and dozens of friends gathered in the yard of Holly’s Hill vineyard and winery for laughter, remembrances and moments of reflection. Everyone in attendance put their thumbprint on his memory tree then signed their name. It created a beautiful work of art for his lovely wife Kathy that will forever bloom in a place of honor in her home. Bob Seed, you will be missed.
Bob Seed memory tree
Photo by K. Seed
So, while this post isn’t my normal blubber with snarky comments, it does pay homage to some very dear friends and I thank you all for taking the time to stop by.
I’d love to hear your thoughts about special moments in your lives or celebrations that you have enjoyed in the recent past.
Word of the day: Kami
Fun fact about me: I wear a smaller size shoe now than I did in 7th grade. Not sure how that happened, but it’s true.
Original post by Jansen Schmidt, October 2013. Subaru photo courtesy Google Images.
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