Traditions

Our little shopping weekend in Spokane has come to mean several things to me.

1.  Beautiful, beautiful, lovely things to look at (including handbags at Nordstrom which I didn't photograph because, well you know- its Nordstrom).  I loved this black and white tree.

 

2. A "blue mirror" picture.

 

3.  At least one self-taken group shot (missing my Aunt). We were going to get our picture taken with Santa, but then the thought of sitting on the lap of some creepy, unknown costumed man, as a full-grown adult woman made us opt for this frame instead.  Much wiser indeed.

 

4. Yummy, yummy food at Clinkerdager's. A seafood kebab on top of garlic mashed potatoes.  Some bread with artichoke/crab dip, their famous pea salad and Riesling were also consumed in mass quantities.

 

4. (cont.) Creme Brule- 'nuff said.

 

5.  Something silly and fun.  As in: shots of Jagermeister in the hotel room.  If you know me, you would know that shots of anything make me nervous.  I still get that "we're gonna get in trouble for this" kind of feeling in my stomach.  My Aunt assured me that Jager is medicinal and will never give you a hangover or make you sick.  I told myself to believe her.  Never underestimate the power of a wee bit of  alcohol to alleviate the stress of holiday crowds.  Emphasis on the wee bit.

 

6.  Good times.  Because my Mom died over 15 years ago now...I don't get to do this kind of thing very often.  Boy, do I look forward to it. The whole female bonding thing is really vital to me.  A wide range of topics were covered in conversation: fake breasts, Alaskan Men (inside joke), sugar addictions, love languages, child rearing, memory loss, childbirth, hairdos, God's love, and many other equally stimulating thoughts and ideas.   

 

Not only did I come home totally refreshed (if that can be possible after spending gobs of money and walking miles and miles up and down the mall), but also my shopping is nearly done!  So now, let the wrapping begin.

Thanks to my Tante, Jenny, Lisa and my Husband (who successfully navigated a weekend with empty cupboards, birthday parties, and three emotional daughters) for making this weekend filled with more memorable traditions.