New Year's Eve at the Santa Anita Races

My first trip to the horse races was the day after my college graduation. 

I found a comfortable couch and fell asleep. 

It is safe to say that this trip to the races was my actual first time. 

I wasn't too keen on going until my mom convinced me by telling me she just picks horses by their names. It sounded very Gilmore Girls to me. I was in.

 The building is beyond gorgeous!

 The perfect California day in December.

 Cruella Deville's cousin?

 The parentals.

 Me & Jordan

Jordan played rationally...I just looked at the names. We made a good team. 

I had a lot of fun, but it is safe to say that my brother had the most. 

He won $800 on a long shot. 

He treated the whole family to dinner. 

It was the first year we all rung in the new year as adults together. 

Quite a wonderful day & evening.

Next time I go to the races (and there will be a next time) I am dressing up. Big hat and all.

My Papa

I grew up thinking my Papa was a big scary grandpa. As I've gotten older I think he's gotten mushier. He gives the greatest hugs in the world...sometimes I'm pretty sure he is going to break me. 

He tells the same story from when I was probably 5 years old over and over. The cool thing is that it brings a smile to his face EVERY single time he tells it. He also calls me LindseyMarie...like it's one name. His whole side of the family does actually. 

The day I went to visit I lucked out and my Aunt Souix, Aunt Diane, and cousins were there. All of whom call me LindseyMarie. I like it. 

My papa is just a big goofy kid. Betty, his wife seems to be amused by it. Mostly. 

He showed off his award winning stage coach he built with his own two hands. I was quite impressed. 

He's pretty proud of it. Can you tell? He's also very handsome.

This painting is in his living room and has been since my mom passed away ten years ago. This is a painting of her from 1978...she was 18 years old. I just love it. The colors. The frame. Her eyes. Her lips. It just is breathtaking. I love it. I miss her. I'm glad the painting is right where everyone can see it.

Dinner with the Raigosa's

My cousin Lenny and his wife Samantha (originally from Washington) recently moved back up here. They are still about 4 hours away, but that is about 20 hours less than before. I offered to make dinner (mainly because I want to blog about whatever I can). This was a great opportunity to make something blog worthy: sweet potato souffle from the Williams Sonoma Autumn cookbook.

 http://www.williams-sonoma.com/recipe/sweet-potato-souffle.html

 First you poke your sweet potatoes with a fork & bake until mooshy. Then butter a souffle dish and dust with Parmesan cheese. 

Mix all ingredients together. It's more fun with help. 

It fell a bit before I took a picture, but it was delicious & successful for my first try. 

 Taking the first piece.

 Lenny likes it.

 My first bite.

I LOVE it! 

A lovely evening with the cousins, and a lovely centerpiece.