I am too lazy for this blog

...Or I lost my interest in it. I don't know why! I can't say I am too busy or I am doing something very important every day, but lately we've been a lot out with friends, my cousin stayed at our place and we went to shopping, movies, concerts theatre. Quite active you would say!

It snowed havily last week and it was a -17 temperature outside and we all hoped a white Christmas this year. Too bad the forecast can't be manipulated...It will be a +15 Celsius on Christmas Day ...so bye-bye snow. I kinnda hate this sudden ghange of weather and temperature and the main reason is because I don't know what clothes shoul I put on in the morning. I am either too hot or too cold...It seems I can't find my balance. It's true I never listen to the forecast for the next day :)

We will be on holiday from tomorrow to the 4th of January. We'll have Christmas in Baia Mare and New Year's Eve to choose from 3 possibilities:
1. Stay in Baia Mare with my folks and parents-in-law coming to celebrate my father;
2. Stay in Cluj and take a champagne and go downtown to celebrate together with hundreds of strangers in the streets;
3 To go with some quiet friends (our 40's group) in the mountains to a remote chalet - not sure if the roads are clean to reach it.

My favourite, in this order: 2,1,3. We'll see!

Meanwhile Happy holidays for everybody and the most Happiest New Year!

I am going to be an aunt!

Isn't that a good news? I am excited for a new baby born in the clan :), curious about how Bro will handle the situation (I am sure he'll be a great father) interested in how he will react when seeing his baby born and when first have to change diapers.

Anyway I cannot express exactly what I feel in English but WELCOME little one into our family!

First ski session this season

Yep, this weekend we went to Cavnic to ski. A bit early this season but it was very interesting and warm at noon. The snow measures 60-70 cm and the slopes are really good, no so many people had the courage to listen to the news and come to see if it's really true, so not crowded.

It's not an easy sport for your knees but you easily get used to the pressure in your legs. Hope the snow will last for long in these resorts and more snow will fall in the mountains soon.

The winter has arrived in the cities as well. We had temperature below 0. I think we must get used to the idea that lately we have only 2 seasons: WINTER and SUMMER. Pretty odd! for someone like me who grew up with beautiful springs and colourfull autumns.

Holidays, pictures...

...and today back to work.
Yep, lucky us! We've been on holiday for a week and we've been to the Danube Delta as we always wanted. A long term plan now finally accomplished.
I've posted the pics taken on our Transfagarasan trip and the pics taken on this trip. Visited: Mud Vulcanoes (Vulcanii Noroiosi), The Delta, Sain Ana Lake (Lacul Sf. Ana) and Tusnad resort Baile Tusnad).

Such a great country we have! I must admit I consider myself lucky to be born here.

Enjoy the pics!

PS: We must buy a new camera, the old one is starting to mess up the pics! :(

Strange Friday wedding

We have to go to a weeding party that is held Friday night!??? Imagine how fresh we will be! From work straight home, taking a shower and going to a weeding party. Probably we'll have a dozen coffes and hang on until 12 p.m.
It's starange I've never heard or been before to a Friday wedding party. But we have to go as thei are some relatives with my father and attended our wedding. So it'a a sort of "pay-back" time. Lol.

It will be a quiet sleepy Saturday in the Balla family!

I did it!

..Yep I've found the patience and time and mood to finally upload some photos from our trip to Valcea and Caciulata.






Unfortunaltelly my computer found troubles when uploading the pics taken from Transfagarasan - really a wonder of "modern" world. Too bad authorities don't forbbid bbq in the mountains area and they do not protect it properly. Fortunately Transfagarasan is an example of nature's selfishness when protectig itself. Transfagarasan can be crossed only during summer months from July to September and onlu during daytime and that is because of the heavy snow covering the road.
Personally, I would fine all the bbq people, which populate especially the Muntenia side of the mountain....Without being nasty, you expect those parts to be vandalised!









Here you have some pics from Caciulata a resort in the Olt Valley and from our trip to Valcea generally an area with lots of monasteries and history. Almost all the Romanian leaders from XII to XVII century are burried within the monasteries' walls. In Romania it was a tradition for the ruler to built at least one monastery which he financed during his reign and in the end found his resting peace and tomb there. So every place comes with a sotry...most of the times an interesting one...You just have to find the right person to tell...and they are many.

Frustrations

It happens sometimes, especially when I have uploaded all the pics with picasa and realize that, apparently I have two acounts with picasa and everything was uploaded on the wrong one. Of course all my enthusiasm was lost instantly and I didn't feel like uploading those pics (selected ones) again.

So when I'll have the time and nerves to do it I will. Until then it will probably be a Saturday at a frind's office helping her out with the papers and probably an evening out on a terrace and a Sunday out in the nature. We have a promise for a speed-boat trip on Tarnita lake...will see!

I jusl LOVE wkds

Starting Friday afternoon I feel like I am feeling alive again. I just love how productive I am on Fridays and my colleagues as well. I think that if there will be always Friday the efficiency at work will be 100%. People work better when they have a motivation like that...
And then weekends, especially when leaving to nowhere and finding interesting places/people are absolutely magnificent. We ghad a sort of "bank holiday" (how Bro and Chris seem to always have: - I am a bit jealous!)last wkd. Well we took our Friday off from work and visited our parents in their trip to Caciulata (Olt Valley). We've bathe in the sun and thermal water, we had trips to monasteries, memorial houses (Anton Pann) and cities (Rm. Valcea). Then we had a long walk to Turnu monastery, by night...hehehe interesting experience, especially we were with our parents.
And 3rd day we had a trip back to Cluj by Curtea de Arges (the monastery it's simply breathtaking) and then Poenari Fortress (built bu Vlad Tepes - and where to we had to climb 1480 steps through the woods) and then crossed the Fagaras Mountain at 2000 m high through Transfagarasan. I didn't know Romanina could do such masterpiece. Too bad it is not valuable enough today...for tourists as well as for authorities. Simply splendid!
We must go back and take a walk up the mountain.

We took lots of pictures, but our LCD at home has boken down...so until Monday no access at home.

See ya!

Ice Age 3

We've been to the cinema tonight and seen Ice Age 3 - 3D. Really nice! I think rarely you can find a trilogy that is still funny. We had a good laugh...although the 3D effects were not so spectacular.
A new funny character "Buck" appeared in the scene...and really freshened up the movie. From all of the characters I like Sid best...the crazy creature. I think is the funniest!
I wonder will it be an Ice Age 4 movie released soon???? I saw that Harry Potter continues on and on...is it at the 5th or 6th episode??? I am not very fond of it! I've seen only one episode and I found it casual.
Watched X-Men 3 pretty interesting if you don't expect anything philosophic from a movie. It's pure action trying to explain how it became X-Men 1! We enjoyed it!

Changes...

I really feel that I need a change at my job! But something more radically.

I think need to change my activity too...I am sick of legal papers and documents and procedures. Or maybe it's because of the place and people....
Hm! I'll see. Planning and looking for new challenges and opportunities...
I am looking for smart people hwo have something to say anf can share thei knowledge with me..
Is only me to look around for something like that? I feel that valuable people are more and more difficult to find. And if you find them it's incredibile difficult to make them share their knowledge...Aren't we becoming to selfish?

Any offers that I may consider..???

Hot and getting hotter

I should have got used to these temperatures by now... and I think I am. We had 34 degrees yesterday, and today and tomorrow will probably be up to 37. And it is even hotter if you stay in the sun or have to drive a car. Of course we have air conditioning at work...but I am freezing inside and melting outside. I a 25-27 Celcius degrees person.
I think because of this weather and the busy days at work I skipped writing on my blog.

Last weekend we went to Tarnita, a near-by mountain lake and which usually is very cold, almost impossible to swim. Now it's so warm like the sea in summer. Surprinsingly pleasant. we had a bath and a relaxing trip (we were even able to ignore the "manele" songs that surround us.

Peter is working in the afternoons and in week-ends at his parents' house rennovating (is this an English word...or just a "furculition"?:). So meanwhile I am reading and doing exercises (gym) at home. Very refreshing!

Planning a gettaway next weeked...will see!

Oh how I long for a green forest and cold springs!

The first tape I ever bought...

...was with Michael Jackson, from Hungary, the first foreign western country we visited after the Romanian Revolution from 1989. I remember how my bro insisted in buying an audio system and 2 tapes (that's all we afforded). We choose that with Michael Jackson, BAD album and one with Alice Cooper. I still have them both, even if
I don't know if they're still working.

Anyway we listen to those 2 till everybody in the house got crazy. Later I bought other albums with Michael Jackson and became a fan. I still remember the posters with Mike covering my room's walls and how I suffered from not being able to attend his concert in Romania, Bucharest, in the 90s'. He was truly a legend...I still like his music, especially Bad and Thriller album.
Now I really think we were fortunate to grow-up with real music. I wonder sometimes what will our children will listen? Sometimes I think the real music and lyrics have gone forever...

Great music, great artist! I'm sure Michael Jackson music will be far from been forgotten. Anyway he's really king of pop.

Briefing

Wow, I don't know what happened lately but it seems that I don't have time for anything...or I have so many things to do. Don't Know.

Well lately we've been pro-active:
1. I had my 10th year highschool anniversary. It all work well we had a good time and a nice reunion. The party was ok. Conclusion: Time flies people slightly change...if they change at all. Which is not so good I would say! Anyway everybody said about me that I have changed...I think they were refering to my haicut, clothes and probably make-up:) I was never interested in loooking good during highschool. I like to say that I have changed as a person...I'm wiser today than 10 years ago...
If curious pictures are on this website: www. picasaweb.google.com/ancu.bm

2. We had our spring holiday and we visited Bro and Chris in UK, London. We took our parents with us. I've been in London before, but still we had a great time there. You can visit London and UK once a year and you'll have things to see. Everybody was impressed by the city, the people, the visiting places, the variety of things you can do there. We had a few days ouside London (North to Cambridge, West to Windsor, Oxford and Wales-Cardiff and South to Eastbourne and Brighton). Surprisingly we had the best weather you can possibly get in UK, 27-28 degrees Celsius almost all our trip. It was quite nice especially that we were coming from 30 degrees and when landing in Luton there were barely 9 degrees Celcius. We were shocked! Anyway if you're looking for a science trip, a pleasure trip, a shopping session, a visiting trip or a hunt for art and celebrities you'll be satisfied in London.

Love in London: clean streets, good roads and transportation, polite people, well organized in everyting, green parks where allowed to rest on the grass, tourist orientated, chep clothes if you know where to look for them);

Hate in London: video surveillence and cameras on every corner, crowdness, big distances - train dependence, lack of ventilation in the tube stations, food (only if you don't go for specialities - chinese, oriental, etc.), high fees, high prices for everything.

Conclusion: Worth visiting but glad to come back home. MANY THANKS TO CIPRI AND CHIS for being our hosts and telling us the local tips&tricks. Pics at the same adress as above.

3. Last weekend we welcomed our coming back home with a picnic in Faget forest. When away from home You learn to appreciate the good mici and frigarui and the still wild nature.

4. Moving for a week in my parents-in law house while they are in holiday to take care of our dog Hera. So will be internet-less for a week but at least will be "downtown people".

Have a sunny weekend!

still at work...

I hate when somebody (I don't gine names just titles: THE BOSS) changes my programme when I have only 5 minutes to FREEDOM (going home hour) for something "important" which in the end proves to be ok to discuss in the morning as well. Now, is that fair?

Another reason to become professional independent and start my own business....like I don't have already thousands of reasons!

Be independent if you can! Bosses are always annoying and selfish!

10th year anniversary

...I think this is how they call it in English. To be more precise: it's been 10 years since I've graduated highschool and in Romania it's quite an important anniversary to get together with all your ex-highschool colleagues and friends and meet with your former teachers. Usually there is a sort of remember classes held at school in the old classroom and then the party at a restaurant.

I together with a colleague we've been the organisers, hopefully it will be nice and fun. Anyway, I'm cool not stressed just curious. I think will be interesting to see the former teens that we've been grown up into serious adults (that doesn't necessary apply to me:). From the talks we had during this preparation session I've concluded that "People change very rarely, they usually change their clothes, cars, lovers, jobs...not their behaviour".

Well will see...I am probably wrong. So next Friday (22nd of May) let the party begin!

My birthday party

Weel Sunday was my ? aniversary and as it followed the Easter holidays when everybody just eat, drik and sit around the table, I said we should go out to celebrate me...and so we did.The plan was to go bbq somewhere nice, in the nature.
Peter and I we love Remetea, a rather interesting area where nature felt free to play with mountains, rivers, plains.The climb is not so diffucult, of course if you are trained...otherwise is quite harsh, it's like climibing few thousand steps straight up. We loved it!







We were in a hurry as some of our friends expected us down at the bottom of the mountain. I can say that only today my legs stopped hurting. Afterwards we set near the river and cooked the traditional mici and slanina (bacon) and some chicken. Lovely.

It was an unusual birthday party but we had a great deal of fun and even a birthday cake.





More pics on my picasa webalbum.

Happy Easter Holiday!

To everybody who celebrate Easter this weekend. Be careful with the tones of food and drink and cakes.

Cristos a Inviat!

I forgot

...to tell you that we took part in the "chain reaction" activity on the 28th of March. That means, if you forgot, that we cycled around the city (few hundreds of cycling lovers) to show that we care about nature and the health of the Earth....and of course to sensitize the local authorities in order to arrange more cycling tracks throughout the city....

The latter didn't work out yet :)!

Briefing...

Less and less time for me to write on this blog or probably the spring air that invites me out...can't tell! The truth is I love this time of the year...it's warm, but not hot, the trees and flowers are in blossom, the grass is green and the earth is simply reviving.

Anyway: We went to the National theatre for the International Theatre Day and we listen to the great actor Florin Piersinc just telling stories from his youth and acting experiences. Very interesting and captivating...never thought one can speak like that to an audiance that was literally in a trance. We loved it!

We had a trip to Budapest (Peter had a sort of business trip). I love that city! We visited the Zoo. It is worth visiting while in Budapest. It's quite big (we walked for 4 hours and we still missed the elephants! Anyway I loved the diversity of the animals and the fact that they were very well supported and they really looked healthy and happy ... as much as they could be. Very many families (babies born in captivity...which means that they are ok!). We also visited Erika (my sister-in-law) she moved near Budapest, near the Danube and the forest to a very exotic location, considering we're speaking about a rather flat country. Many cyclists and sportsmen...I loved that too. We also had a small shopping session....which ended in a cake shop.
By the way, did you know that Hungarians are obssesed with marzipan!!! I really don't like the taste!

This weekend we had Easter holidays, Part one - is the catholic Easter. So we had cakes, lots of food and red eggs. Now, there are only few days left until the Easter holidays, Part two. Hopefully will have sunny days in Baia Mare and maybe will go out for a walk at Izvoare or so....will see!

Happy Easter holidays for some and Happy spring holidays for the others!

Theatre Day and upcoming spring

The 27'th of March is the Theatre DAy...i think it goes international. Anyway for this special cultural day The National Theatre fron Cluj-Napoca opens its doors for everybody who's interested in visiting it for free...And when I mean doors I'm not particularly refering to the main entrance, but the actors' cabins, the backstage, the dark unseen corners of the building, etc. We're planning to go....won't be something outrageous, but something cute!

And yes, finally sping has arrived in Cluj-Napoca too. We're expecting the upcoming days tempretures of 15. Tomorrow if the weather is still friendly we're planning to participate to the cycling session in order to celebrate The Earth Hour, probably to see some Thetre Fashion Exhibit in Polus Center and then turn off the lights for one hour....I HOPE YOU DIDN"T FORGET THIS ONE!

Sunday we're going out in the nature at a traditional Romanian bbq with mici and fried chips! God how I love spring!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...

Yes! It's unbelieveble! In the morning it snowed again in Cluj so probably it snowed in the mountains as well. To be honest, we really thought this year's skiing sessions are over. But it seems that the slopes are still snowy and waiting for tourits...so probably this weekend we'll go to Baia Mate visit the parents and also going to Suior for ....I was almost saying "the last skiing this spring season...

So let the spring wait for a few days!

Chain reaction

Some months ago I've heard from a friend (George) about a public cycling experience in Cluj, in order to advertise this mean of transportation within the city. Cycling in Cluj is quite an adventure these days and you must be very careful in order to stay alive.
This public programme cycling through the city in order to convince public and authorities that they must support and legally organize cycling tracks, in order to be a solid alternativ tu urban GREEN transportation.





Now that the spring is trying to come (still very cold in Cluj) I think we will take part to the next cycling session in the 28th of March - I've heard is also The Day when the lights will be turned off (One os The Saving The World Campaign)all around the world.

For more details see the website: http://www.reactieinlant.ro (in English chain reaction.ro). Hope this GREEN campaing will work!

8th of March

For a few years now I have a dilemma: Is the 8th of March Mothers' DAy or Women's Day? People I've asked about have different opinions. I remember when I was a child that all we did that day was for mom: postcards, flowers, presents, etc. But also for our teachers....
Now that are people congratulating mwe for the 8 th of March but they seem to do it only out of respect and only after having a revelation: "Oh you're a woman too...Congratulation!" :)

Soooo, is it Mothers' Day or Women's Day on the 8th of March???

Anyway, for all the women out there: Congratulations and wish you a nice spring and a successful year!

Wandering, skiing, relaxing...

We've taken a short 3 days' trip to Borsa with the intention to have a nice weekend skiing. We were at first undecided: to choose Straja or Borsa. We haven't visited these 2 places for quite a while so were both supposed to be a surprise. Luckily we couldn't find accommodation in Straja and I say luckily because in Borsa the slope is much entertaining then in Straja.
So Thursday morning we left Cluj in the early morning and with our two seats car headed for Borsa. The weather was nice an sunny and we were thinking only about skiing, relaxing and having fun. We decided to stay at a pension house we found on the internet and it turned out to be a good choise. It was the house of some young fellows, very clean and very welcoming. Wow!



It was our skiing in Borsa after at least 5 years. The slope looked good! Few people skiing, meaning that we didn't have to spend a lifetime waiting in a queue to get up the mountain, a sunny day and 2 guys eager to ski.
It was as we reminded and expected! Same Borsa aprox. 2 km of pretty hard slope. We had plenty of photos so you can enjoy. The nature is simply breathtaking in the mountains.






The local people say that soon there will be another "hardcore" slope in the resort but who knows...the rumors are very old and nothing much happened so far. But this time they say that the summer of 2009 will be the one to open it. Will see! it will be a great advantage for the area and for the resort which is one of the finest (I think) from RO. Maybe I am a little subjective here as Borsa is in Maramures. Anyway we'll go back there as soon as possible...but preferably during week-days. Weekends can be frustrating in Borsa :)

Un martisor pentru voi!

SNOW...at last!

Well yesterday was a day to remember, when most of us recalled the winter days from childhood. It snowed heavily, the roads were almost blocked, everythig was and is completely white and it's that something in the air...I call it "smell of a winter = mixture of snow and cold, but not very cold". The nature can give you very good, but also very bad days.
Big plans! We really thought that this year we will remain frustrated with the single ski session we had at Vatra Dornei for New Year's Eve. So, we're planning Sunday-ski day at Baisoara if it is enough snow and next weekend a 3-day trip to Borsa. They say it snowed heavily there. Anyway that slope is one of the best in RO, if it snows of course.
Maybe a skating night tonight, will see, and tomorrow a work day. I promised Marta, a friend. I will help her with her archive...GOD! how I hate documents and papers! but she promised some goodies so I cannot refuse her.

Well, have a nice wkd!

The proof

You asked for it!



Improving....:)




The pics were taken with the camera from the mobile phone, otherwise you could have seen the extraordinary skater, the best figure skating performer in Cluj...that would be ME in case you had any doubts!

Shopping

This weekend was a lazy one. Didn't do anything special but went shopping. And this time Peter felt like it, I usually do feel like it so we spent about 7 hours wandering in Cluj-Napoca's malls looking for clothes. It was a very inspired decision as we found very cheap but very nice outfits...We are not fans of shopping but we didn't realize the time pssing by so quickly.

When we got home we had dinner and then a movie. By the way have you seen Mamma Mia -the movie. It's wuite new I think, 2008 production, and it's a very funny love story on the ABBA music. Great music, great lyrics, extraodinary acting; especially from Maryl Streep.

We're planning a trip to Baia Mare this weekend. Maybe even skiing if there is snow and proper weather.

Now back to work, which is a LOT!

Progressing

Well first time when i put my skates on my feet I said to myself that this will be a one-day experience, but we went to the lake for three days on. Yesterday we had to stay indoor as the weather outside was too mild (not under 0 degrees). Today though the weather is cooping with us again.
But tonight it's Opera night. We decided to make some changes this year in our daily programme.
1. First to go to the gym or at least do exercise: we consider that half accomplished so far - ewe went skating and it's not easy, we went skiing, we'll go to the gym as well or just jogging.
2. Be cultural friendly - we are planning to go to the Theatre, Opera and others. Tosca of Giacomo Puccini tonight from 18:30.
3. Improve from a professional perspective - I got this mediator diploma and planning to practice. Peter is taking some Master courses of Management and Bussines.
4. Visiting - we've booked a May trip to London to visit Bro and Chris. We want to go to ski in Austria in MArch (don't know for sure - nothing booked yet). Probably a Delta trip in September. And then weekend trips.

Big plans. Hope we'll have the energy, the resources :)(I mean money here), health and time to keep up with all this stuff.
So far promissing. We're quite good at skating...so we think. Don't you think it was without paying any "price" or sacrifice...I nearly broke my hand ... falling on ice can be really painful. But I'm ok so we'll keep on skating. Relaxing, refreshing, energizing....

By the way watch for thea European Skating Championship from Helsinki now ongoing...skating seems a piece of cake when watching those guys, but don't let yourself carried away by that.

"Productive" wkd

Yep, I 've passed the exam with a very good mark. I am now as they say a MEDIATOR, so in case of conflict don't hesitate to give me a call :).

I bought skates for myself as well, so Saturday and Sunday evening we went skating on the Chios lake, free of charge. Folks it's wonderful! In 2 days we really got the main idea and we can skate pretty good...at least we think so.
It'a a great refreshment after a week at work. We're planning to go this evening too (at least until the outdoor temperature it's under 0 degrees).

Keep you up to date with our latest news.

Fingers crossed

I have an exam tomorrow for mediators so keep your fingers crossed for me. Then I'll be free again.

Plans: buying a pair of skates for me (Peter got one already) and go skating on the lakes in Cluj-Napoca and probably on Sunday go skiing at Baisoara.

Have a nice and "productive" (this sounds better in Romanian:) week-end!

Happy New Year! from Bucovina

Yep for the New Year's Eve celebration we headed for Moldova, namely Bucovina to visit our dear friends Stefan, Anca and David. It was like a dream. If in Cluj and Baia Mare there was slightly any snow remains in the parks there was all white ...like our childhood Christmas used to be! People from Bucovina still keep the traditions from our ancestors: singing carols from house to house for money, nuts, cakes or apples.Of course nowadays ...MONEY are preferable.



They travel neither by car, nor by foot but by sledge. The tourists are allowed to test the feeling for not so many Lei.



Recommended! We did it!



The Eve party was to a friends' chalet in Voronet, a village famous for the monastery that lies in the area.



We even had a childhood experience. We sledged using a sledge and a bag. Phew, you can't compare the sensation with any of the modern organized sports, but it worth while trying...that if you don't have a back problem because from the top of the hill down to its base with quite a speed...you imagine...





We visited a mini-zoo of the chalets in the area...impressive!



The area is full of tourists all year round. It is very appreciated for monasteries from Stephen The Great period, for landscapes, outdoor possibilities, traditions, hospitality of the locals and delicious food. You really need to try it! And if you go by MAnastirea Humorului look for Casa Ancutei, Tanti Uta (the teacher) - is my friend's mom and B&B.

Happy New Year for all of you and may all your wishes come true!



By now you should know where to find the rest of the photos! Other great nature viwe from Borsa, Prislop and Maramures. Enjoy!

End of 2008

...was a good one. Christmas at Baia Mare with the whole family reunited (Cipri, my bro came from UK with gf Chris).



First time when Chris came to Romania so we had a walk into the city of Cluj. Very cold and nothing really surprising for us. We also went clubbing which was really nice but we realized we weren't that young anymore :) so head home at almost 4 am.
We met old dear friends coming from all corners of the Globe: Goerge and Ioana from US - Oklahoma, Bro and Chris - UK, Ake and Carmen - Thailand and us 2 from RO. Very diverse and multilingual group, thanks God for English!



We had o sort of talk meeting at our place in Cluj with all these foreigners.

For Christmas day we went in Baia Mare where we've tested the "goodies" my mother cooked and always cooks for Christmas. And a premiere: Bro actually decorated the Christmas tree!



Then we went to see some snow at Izvoare and Mogosa, really nice, fooling around, having a walk in the snow and a traditional tea with rum. It was second time for Chris when to see snow in her lifetime...I guess it must be something special. It was a really family celebration for this Christmas very relaxing.

For more photos like these see my picasa web album: