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Myron was doing some guest posts for me this Christmas. He missed a few days due to his house guest., Miso. She tolerated the bow but not the bells (photo coming later).

I’m not sure who was more animated…Myron with his white paws swatting out from under the bed at her nose (he has no front claws) or Miso as she tried and tried to fit something more than her nose under the bed.

Hourly the noises escalated depending upon who had the upper hand…or paw. Growling that would rival most mountain lions emanated from under the bed. Husky talk and soft barks were accompanied by fierce tail wagging.

Quite the sites and sounds. But no fur flew.

But, she almost convinced Mable to be her friend. And then she just couldn’t keep her excitement to herself. She barked. Mable did what any self respecting cat would do…she puffed up, hissed in Miso’s face and hid in the corner. Miso didn’t know what to make of that. She escaped to another room.

Last night a large dog that looks like a wolf came to visit us for Christmas. We immediately hid under the bed hissing and growling. Because she can’t get under it we are safe from her sniffing.

Good news…she’s afraid of our hissing. She even yelped when we became louder.

Bad news…she ate our food. Now that’s low. I guess we’ll have to hiss more at her.

She’s really nice, for a dog. But she is a dog, after all. She just doesn’t understand the rules around here. And that is…cats rule. We’ll have to find a way to teach her that rule.

Tune in later for an update.

Consider this an early Christmas greeting. Since we will be celebrating with family and friends I thought I’d take a couple of days off.

See you next week.

What color on a cloudy rainy December day. In fact, red is one of three colors present right now at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery.

Green wreaths and red bows are impressive against the stark white headstones.

Sobering in size this newly dedicated National Cemetery is the seventh in California and the 124th in the nation. Able to serve veterans’ needs for the next 50 years fourteen of the 561 acres are currently developed.

Saturday, December 12 was the date for the wreath-laying event honoring fallen veterans. This year wreaths were placed on all 5,400 grave sites.

Impressive to look at…sobering to know these men and women gave it their all for our freedom.

If you are in need of last minute ideas for your traveling friends…here’s what these festive pelicans have to say.

Give a gift certificate to a spa. When your friends get home from traveling, they just might need a spa treatment.

How about a Christmas tree ornament in the shape of a globe…complete with maps.

Find a pair of easy to pack slippers.

Luggage tags.

Gift certificates to restaurants.

Movie passes.

Flowers…even at Christmas.

When I asked for favorite things you always take with you, these are some of them:

slippers…especially when going to a B & B as the floors may be hardwood and a little chilly

wine glasses…if you dislike plastic cups in your room, pack a couple of Riedel O glasses

coffee essentials…as a coffee addict you might like to take your own to use in a hotel coffee maker

wool shawl…works as a blanket on the plane or when you need an extra layer

reading light…small battery powered lights are great in hotel rooms with poor lighting

silk travel pillow…it’s worth the room it takes up

fleece hoodie…except in hot weather this works on the plane & out in public; plus you can wad it up in your purse or backpack and it still looks good

iPod…great for long plane rides

a husband…(my personal favorite answer)…good for leaning on in the plane, reaching stuff out of overhead bins, watching my purse when I go to the bathroom, carrying cash, holding my hand, getting me coffee in the morning…need I go on?

If you plan a trip to a destination with high humidity, save the silica gel packets that come in purses or shoes. Or you can ask for them at your local camera store. When you pack them in a plastic bag with your medications, binoculars, camera or iPod they prevent the humidity from damaging or fogging them.

When you get home, put the gel packets in a 150 degree oven for about half an hour and you can reuse them your next trip.

For your clothes, pack a large garbage bag inside your suitcase or duffel bag and pack your clothes inside it. Everything will stay drier.

Anyone recognize this site? Maybe a clue will help.

Or maybe anyone who watches golf will know where this is…

If you are in the Walnut Creek, CA area and want authentic Italian food you must check out this restaurant. Caffe Delle Stelle is located at 1532 N. Main Street in Walnut Creek.

It’s been there a while and they know how to do food. My good friend, Anna, and I had a great discussion about food and Italy with our server, Domenico. He should know…he is from Italy.

Italians don’t just eat a meal. They value it for what it is…a celebration of food, wine, friends, conversation and relaxation. He likened it to “getting away from your day” for this celebration. Forget your issues and take time to celebrate.

He’s right. If you’ve ever been to Italy or have been around Italians at meal time…it’s an experience. With all the gestures and loud voices you may think they are mad at each other. Not so…they are expressing what is important to them and allowing you to do likewise.

All the while…good food and wine complete the meal. I’ll be back to Caffee Delle Stelle.