Isn't it Fun?

Whenever I see clients, or even in conversations with friends, they all love to hear about the houses I've been through. It's a fun job to look at houses every day! And I've been loving a lot of houses lately! Here are two gorgeous ones that my clients are currently in the process of buying...

The first is on one of the best streets in town, as far as I'm concerned, because it has huge trees and privacy in back and a striking city & mountain view out the front. This house will have it's 100'th birthday in 2014 and I can't wait for the party!





This next one is in my neighborhood and is a classic. The street is named after the house's original owners, and their torn and tattered 1940's landscape blueprint is framed in the hallway. I'm heartened to know the buyers will revert to the original landscape once the house is theirs! It has amazing windows and light and an enormous kitchen! And the most amazing fir trees.

Addicted to Lost

During the holidays my sons talked me into watching a few episodes from the first season of Lost.

One week later: I'm addicted. I'm halfway through season 2 and hope to finish seasons 2 and 3 before the new season premiere on Jan 31.

I'm ripping through my book club book to get it out of the way. I know how all my evenings are going to be spent this month. At 45 minutes per crack, and 36 episodes to go, I think I should be more than ready by the end of the month.

Though the next 10 Thursday nights are going to include tap dancing class.

I missed a great party!

Happy Birthday Clare!

Boomer

Donut Pajamas All Around

How to Chop Onions Without Crying

Using a knife, cut a cone out of the bottom of the onion (where the roots come out). The diameter of this cone should be about a third of the diameter of the onion, and about 1/3 deep. Take this piece and throw it away (don't put it down the disposal!). This piece contains the part/gland that makes you cry when you're chopping it up. Once you've gotten that piece out, chop off the top, peel, and slice the onion.

You know your cone is too small if it doesn't work, because you've cut into that teargas grenade.

The prettiest tree yet

My Christmas Wish Came True

Every year I hope for snow at Christmas.

I experienced a beautiful, quiet snow storm when we were in Denver just before Christmas, and thought that would have to do. I sat in a glass room at the spa, sipping detox tea and warming myself in front of the fire as I watched the snow swirl. It was a wonderful moment.

But not as great as having snow fall in Portland on Christmas day. What a surprise! So here is Lucy, the Arizona puppy, experiencing her first snow, and Boomer, impervious to snow with his thick fur coat, getting out for some fun in the white stuff.



















And the family Christmas Eve dinner in all it's mayhem and glory.












Cheers!

In honor of my girls

This year was our 14th Christmas Cookie Exchange. Along the way we added a gift exchange and it has become the highlight of the evening. Lots of good-natured fighting and stealing takes place, but in the end we're all happy with our presents. Best of all, everyone also goes home with a huge bag full of cookies.

Happy Holidays

I love these guys!