Happy Holiday Party

We gathered at my pad on 12/15 for some cheer, laughs and holiday drinks. We mixed it up with a dynamic group and we had a blast. New connections, old friends, great stories, and a stoked fire.....what more can one ask for? Happy new year...I know 2008 will be filled with joy, merriment and special suprises for all. Close your eyes and just let it happen.

First snow

The first flakes landed in Minneapolis on the first of December. Kalo Mina (Happy first of the month to those of you who forgot this sweet Greek wish)! The sky and streets are filled with virgin whiteness and kids are playing in their glory. Adults are shoveling and sitting by the chimney side. It's one of those days that brings a smile - you know - the simple pleasures!

Attachments Exhibit

Mom had her first photography exhibit the 9-11th of November. It was a huge entry into the artists worlds and a great hit. Her theme was "attachments" - everything related to trees and what is attached to them - bark, moss, mushrooms, etc. We had 150 people come through over the course of 3 days and many pictures were sold. Here are a few pictures from the event. Check out all the images on her site http://www.labhardphoto.com/.

Swiss bliss

In the end of October, my father's mother passed away at the age of 100. I headed out to Zurich and stayed with friends in a very small village outside of Baden. They own a restored farm house and it's idyllic. What peace, tranquility and beautiful surroundings! I awoke each morning with the chill of fresh air from my bedroom window and the sound of cow bells. How Swiss! This was a first for me to see life in the late fall. The colors were yellowish brown and no red leaves in site. This is truely a beautiful country.

Minneapolis Fall Day

What a perfect day to enjoy the simple pleasures in life! The day was crisp, the sky blue, the leaves multi-color, and attitude happy. We walked Lake Harriet and skipped, ran, told stories, climbed trees and smiled. Here are a few images that capture the moment.

Graduation

I graduated from my MBA program in May and walked in August. It was quite nice seeing old colleagues and so many familar faces. The family came to cheer me on. William was quite disappointed they wouldn't let me take him on stage. He looked at me with those "Come on Gita, can't you make them let you take me on stage?" eyes. Bummer - no can do!

Rainy Lake, MN

We always head up to Rainy Lake near International Falls, MN over labor day weekend. It's traditional. It's the one place on earth I fall asleep within seconds as I hear the water making sweet sounds all throughout the night. The birds are chirping in the morning and the sun is shining. Alexi and I were stopped by the Canadian Border Patrol while Alexi was driving the boat. " Quick, Gita....switch spots with me!", Alexi said. Within a heart beat we exchanged positions and the power switch control band remained on Alexi's wrist. As I was frantically trying to re-engage the engine cord, the Patrol questioned the way we both entered Canada. Alexi was with family with a visa and I entered through the Canadian Border. Done, they left us with no concerns. My heart was beating as I thought they were going to bust us as Alexi was driving the boat without a license. Few!

Seattle

Here are a few fun pics with Darci.

San Juan Dream

I headed off to Orcas Island, the largest of the San Juan Islands just off Washington State, in mid-September. My goal was to seek peace and relaxation. It was easy! The bed and breakfast I stayed at was quaint and comfortable and the caretakers were super cool and laid back (of course). Kayaking Doe Bay was the highlight. Seeing porpoioses' fins upon exit of the ocean and harbor seals playful gazes when checking out the scene was so sureal. The view from a kayak is one you can't beat! Hung out with Darci and family for a couple days and had a blast reconnecting. Funny how old memories bring us together, but new ones seal our continued friendship.