GOODBYE TO DECEMBER &.....

 Click on image to enlarge calendar photo for December 2011.

 Click on image to enlarge calendar dates for December 2011.

And,,,,,,,,,,,,And Goodbye to all of the year 2011--with parting shots from the 2011 Cielo Azul Calendar.

HOLIDAY LUNCHEON WITH FRIENDS

 For our annual "Friends" luncheon, we met this year at the Hotel Santa Fe..............

 Where the group gathered................

 To celebrate another year of friendship and camaraderie.........

 In the restaurant besides the gracious lobby...........

AND A GREAT TIME WAS HAD BY ALL!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DUDE!

Mr. Raphael Chavez is celebrating a birthday today in New York City.  HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT DAY, DUDE!

IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS....

 The tree is up and Dwight is busy testing the lights.......

 Illumination!!

 "Oooh boy!  Am I gonna have a Christmas Tree romp just like last year?".............

 Mommie is busy decorating, but with her big surgery boot, she needs two stools..........

 Fortunately, the Doctor says the boot might come off in just a few days if the bone is healed...........

 All these preparations can be just exhausting................

 But the next day, the humans are back at it adding to the tree......

Because the out-of-town children are trickling back for the holidays and Bianca is first!--here the Santa Fesanos enjoy a break in shopping to enjoy a lunch in Albuquerque..........

 Baby Binks is delighted to share some quality time with Auntie Sisi......

 And to get some advice from Uncle Danny.............

 Despite all the "La Nina" forecasts, we have actually gotten a good amount of snow in Santa Fe already this winter..........

 But not as much snow as Hyde Park where the sisters are going sledding in their team Suits......

 Now I know that their is an old superstition about walking under a ladder and another about letting a black cat cross your path, but what about walking under a black cat?............

 Now the holidays can commence in full because Kiki is back from New York--Here, Binks places the final topper on the tree while Keeks marvels over Winston's extravagant Xmas gift from his admirer and friend Tinker and Giano rubs his hands in anticipation and hope that somewhere he might also have a secret admirer to lavish him with gifts this Christmas..........

 So, the "Golden Child" sleeps tight knowing that he is the king of all he surveys..........But you better be good, Winston, you better not frown, because..............

We hope that all of you Gentle Readers have a warm and wonderful Christmas--just like we hope to have here at Cielo Azul.  MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!  And to all--A GOODNIGHT!

 MERRY CHRISTMAS GREETINGS..................

FROM OUR HOUSE TO YOURS!    WISHING YOU A SPLENDID CHRISTMAS AND ALL THE BLESSINGS OF THE SEASON!

BINKY'S HERE! BINKY'S HERE!

 And of course, no visit home would be complete without a lunch at The Shed.........

 Where the girls could warm their legs while we await a table........

 Even Grandma doesn't mind waiting for a table at The Shed......

 Sisi peers out from the crowd to see if a table is on hand......

 But the wait is part of the drill at this popular restaurant.......

 When we finally get seated, Frannie regales us with tales of her exciting life..........

 And Artie keeps an eye on Donna to see that she doesn't eat all the food........

Baby Binks gives a pretty pose while Danny checks something on one of his phone's apps.............

 As the lunch progresses, Frannie's life tales become even more fantastic.................

 And the lovebirds look over the menu for dessert.............

 Back home, Winston is all snuggled in and thinks we were foolish to brave the cold just for some food........

 Baby Binks snuggles up to a good book..................

 And Giano joins her in the reading mode...............

Then as the pets prepare for yet another winter's nap.......

 Including Topaz...............

 And the languorous Mr. Winston...................

 Baby Binks, herself settles into some happy dreams.....................

 And awakens to a scrumptious dinner prepared by brother, Giano.  Now that I have been laid up, the menfolk have stepped up and prepared many of our meals.  This steak is a perfect Weight Watchers proportion for Mama........................

 But the meal also included mashed potatoes and asparagus..............

 Next day--not to be outdone--Dwight prepared a whole turkey!

So, Goodbye for now Bianca, but we know that you will be back for Christmas soon.
WE CAN HARDLY WAIT!

BIENVENIDOS' NOVEMBER LUNCHEON

 On a crisp autumn day, Bienvenidos is set for it's November luncheon.

 As always, Alice is ready for the day's events.........

 First there is the Board Meeting.....

 Then a lovely luncheon for all the ladies and gents who lunch....

 Today, we have a presentation from the Santa Fe Historical Society........

 With a slide presentation appreciated by the membership......

 More ladies and gents who lunch........

 This will be our last meeting in this gorgeous space on Museum Hill.....

 With all the lovely architectural details......

 More ladies and gents who lunch.......

AND A SUPER GRAND TIME WAS HAD BY ALL!