Palm Springs to Pasadena...

I am happy to report Mr. C and I closed out 2013 with a long and winding road trip to visit family and friends.  We felt it important to connect with those that we may not have seen for some time.  We left our home in the care of a friend who kept it safe and sound.  Our weather was simply gorgeous.  This is a photo of Palm Springs and shows why I love it there so much (sadly Mr. C does not like the desert).  Blue sky, hills that reflect the light and shadows of the sun, palm trees and not so many crowds.  I am grateful for being able to enjoy such peace and calm as the hectic days of Christmas didn't seem to follow us there.   I won't share all of our trip as that would bore you and I want to only share the serenity with you.
Christmas was very special this year as we stayed with my daughter in South Orange County.  She spoiled us beyond.  Thank You and I Love You!

Our last stay was in Pasadena for the New Year's Day Tournament of Roses Parade along Orange Grove Boulevard and Colorado Boulevard.  Mr. C had never been to it in person.  I was able to enjoy it many years ago as my daughter's high school band was honored to be one of six that marched in the parade.  To our delight we were able to stay with a dear friend who just happens to live 1/2 mile from the Tournament of Roses Headquarters on Orange Grove Boulevard and the floats stage right in front of her home.  What an experience to ring in the new year with thousands of people and the gorgeous floats up close.  Thank you Miss Elsbeth.  This is us at midnight enjoying strolling along and seeing the floats stage.

If you have only watched the parade on TV and never seen it in person you really cannot appreciate the work and details that go into each and every part of the floats.  Every single part is covered in flowers, petals, seeds and organic living bits.

The colors are spectacular.  Each flower is in its own water vial.  The thousands of volunteers and hours it takes is truly a labor of love.

The art and showmanship is amazing.  Nothing painted.  All organic materials.

It was fun to try to figure out what some of the materials used could be.  Some I have never heard of.  All of them absolutely breathtakingly beautiful!

Each float has a theme and this one was honoring Police K-9 dogs.  There were also live dogs riding on the float.  Such well behaved amazing animals.  Thank you to all who train and tend and utilize these dogs.

This was a spectacular float from Indonesia with lovely ladies in colorful costumes adorned with flowers.  Can you imagine marching 5 1/2 miles plus donning these headdresses?  Lots of bands and horses and beautiful people along with so many amazing floats makes this parade so unique and special.  What a wonderful way to begin this new year 2014.
This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and we are so very grateful to have been a small part of it.
I am humbled by my many blog friends who have sent me cards and gifts.  I have chosen not to share them on my blog but keep them to myself.  I do hope you understand.  I am thankful for each and every one of you and I will be contacting each of you to properly thank you.  My blogging journey has allowed me some very special moments and memories.  I treasure each and every one.
As I unpack and organize and catch up from being gone I am reminded that this year I intend to simplify my surroundings.  I know I border on hoarder and have way too much stuff.  I am extremely sentimental and never get rid of things.  Reality is telling me I don't need to keep or wear that outfit from the 1980's that I always felt ugly in. Since "giving" is my 2014 word I shall be donating lots to worthy causes.  I have made some promises to myself and to others and I fully intend to follow through.  I don't do resolutions but I do make some goals for myself and therefore I tend to keep true to my words.
Happy New Year and Creative Blessings to all.  Now let's create happiness...