The Week in Pictures

Disclaimer: Bad photos ahead. I was too tired or too buzzed while taking most of them. Or in a moving car while tired and buzzed. Don't worry, I wasn't driving. Well, except for the last 2 pictures. But I wasn't tired or buzzed then I swear!



Last Friday we gathered with our neighbors at Fleming's Steakhouse to celebrate some very important birthdays. While we were waiting for our table we amused ourselves by taking pictures while wacthing the antics of a man who claimed to be Mr. Jack Ass at the hostess desk. Poor hostess. Jackass even asked her how far along she was. Um, she wasn't pregnant. :-/
Black napkins for the ladies in LBDs. White napkins for everyone else.

Eddie received a hilarious and appropriate gift.

Pretty ladies and ...... their pretty martinis.

This is SC Fabulous recreating her shunning of our waitress, who seemed to have issues with SC Fabulous.

Lobster tempura appetizer. Worth the $25.

Fleming's has a massive wine list. I always try to choose something I've never had before. On this trip I had Educated Guess cabernet sauvignon. On the left you can see the chocolate dipped peppermint sticks KB Squared made for us.

I had the chef's special for the evening: two 4 oz. filet mignons with seared scallops, seafood risotto and fried goat cheese. In the background you can see the famous Fleming's potatoes: a gratin baked with cream, jalapenos and cheddar cheese. Yum.

Birthday girl B with the creme brulee.

Birthday boy Eddie with the Chocolate Peanut Butter Sandwich: chocolate cookie crust, peanut butter mousse and a touch of raspberry jam. To.die.for.

Group shot ... we closed the place down!

The next night we got dolled up for a holiday party thrown by a local defense firm. Clearly we need to work on our Facebook-style self portraits. There weren't any wild shenanigans at the party despite the free flowing alcohol and mock casino tables. A good time was had by all.

The birthday bash for Eddie continued on Sunday. We woke up bright and early (for a weekend at least) to get a walk-in table for brunch at the Mission Inn. The Sunday brunch here is fantastic. Definitely make reservations in advance if you're inclined to check it out.

The grounds are all decked out for the holidays.

I loved the look of this mantel. I am totally copying this look sometime in the future.

Me with the oppressed snowman. He was bound down with wire around his neck and feet. Poor Frosty.

Busy elves.

We sweated off all those calories at brunch by hitting the steam room at Kelly's Spa, followed by an 80 minute massage in one of the spa villas, followed by more time in the steam room and lots of herbal tea in the relaxation lounge.

Thursday night we drove out to a neighborhood in our city renowned for its holiday light displays. Despite it being somewhat late and a weekenight, there was still a lengthy wait to enter the main street. Jack's face sums it up.

We tried to pass a little time by making Jack drive. He wasn't going for it.

Finally. Lights!

This one reminded me of a gingerbread house.

Even Jack perked up when he saw the lights.

Ice skaters!

Peanutspalooza.

Disney was well represented too.

The newbies explained themselves.

I hate driving in the rain, but I appreciate the drive after storm clears out. I love the juxtaposition of palm trees, snow capped mountains and a bright blue sky.