51st REUNION-CLASS 1960 W/ TESSIE M.

"What greater thing is there for human souls than to feel that they are joined for life--to be each other in silent unspeakable memories."-George Eliot Photo with Tessie and Romy with their apos from left Alex, Geli, Lea and Gabe Dear Classmates, "Happy 51st reunion to us all!"

Here's my March 2010 - Feb. 2011 year in review for our blog reunion. After we returned to Bartlett, it was back to reality. Had a very low key 66th Birthday celebration. I can't believe I have been retired for 8 years - parang kahapon lang. The opportunity for an early retirement was so enticing to pass up. Any regrets? un peu perhaps; if I had worked longer mas marami sanang barya sa bulsa, but who wants to lug those around- mabigat. Can't remember much about last winter after the reunion except it was cold too, and that we were making happy plans for May. Spring was for gardening and yard work. Often times, it was a chore and set me back some serious dollars but was rewarding on many levels; being out there in the sun and outdoors after being cooped up; seeing those blooms and greens before the "guests" happily dine on them without invitations and the benefit of exercise as I dug, watered and pulled weeds. May - mini reunion with all my siblings as we celebrated the marriage of our youngest sister. Summer saw us enjoying the days spent with my daughter and family from Dubai, the 4th of July festivities so the apos know all about it when they return for good. I saw Puri and her beautiful family at their family reunion in Chicago. Fall - more yard work in the background of gorgeous reds/yellows/and oranges. Halloween, Turkey day--- simple pleasures. B-r-r-r , what can I say especially after the recent snow storm that made news, but the pristine white newly fallen snow on vegetation and on the ground is beautiful to see from the back door making me more appreciative of the 4 seasons.

The Holidays - the joyful rush of Christmas Tide - shopping, decorating, listening to those CDs once a year, cooking, Simbang Gabi and the merriment of the grandkids as they open their gift; the precious time spent with my loved ones.

I continue to enjoy the activities and camaraderie of the Garden Club and the short hours I give to the Library tho I have skipped now and then. Books, magazines and DVDs keep me up late at night. Perhaps I should add something more like - learn how to knit, prepare the many recipes I have cut out para maiba naman ang ulam or visit Costco and the malls more (heh, heh, heh). Health wise, over all I think I weathered the past year pretty well. In the midst of all these, I found time to send short, few and sweet e-mails (hah-hah-hah). I looked forward to the lively exchanges, the pictures from the Canadian beauties, stories from Ebb and Puri, a few chats with Renita, birthday announcements from Sari and the ensuing greetings, the forwards that made me laugh, that made me pause and reflect , that made me sad. I delighted in sending this to you, pray join the reunion if only through cyber space.

ISLAND TOURS

"No man or woman is an island. To exist just for yourself is meaningless. You can achieve the most satisfaction when you feel related to some greater purpose in life, something greater than yourself." Denis Waitley (American motivational speaker and author of self-help books.
Posted by Ebb Resella-
Ebb:Welcome back Esther! Welcome to reality! Inip na inip na ako sa pag-balik mo. If not for the constant stormy rain I will not spent time cooped up inside our condo. It's a blessing in disguise because I am able to catch up posting on my art blog & our pwu blog. I also worked on my travel scrapbooks.

Esther:Hi Ebb: Here are some photos of islands I took in the Phils. You may want to add them to your collections in Gintong Daan Blog.
Ebb: I know you have gazillion of things to do after your long trip to the Philippines. When are you going to start posting on our blog?

Esther: I am still in Phil. time...antok na antok during the day and wide awake at night. My brain is still clogged and hopefully I will be able to start posting this coming week.

Ebb: At this age, jet-lag is a common obstacle. Last year, after 2 months tour of the Philippines & Southeast Asia, it took me a month to recover. Unbelievable! I couldn't wake up earlier than 11:00 a.m. (U.S. time). When I was younger, I could travel without jet lag. Now I take every chance to nap where ever traveling takes me. Mahirap talaga ang tumatanda, ano?

Esther:Hope you had a great week-end.

Ebb: Yes! Went to church in the morning. Late afternoon, I spent lots of hours watching the Academy Award night. The best part was looking at those lovely actresses parading in their gorgeous gowns. They looked so..... perfect.

I am sure you have lots of photos to post in the future especially your reunion w/ other classmates. Take your time!
TOUR AND PHOTOS BY ESTHER LEJANO

1st photo - Canyon Cove, Nasugbu, Batangas
"At times our lives seem like that of a tranquil island in a sea of chaos. The battle is to keep this sea of chaos at bay and let it wash us away unto utter chaos."-Sanjeeva Ananthan- 2nd - Canyon Cove, Nasugbu, Batangas “Your life is an island separated from all other islands and continents. Regardless of how many boats you send to other shores or how many ships arrive upon your shores, you yourself are an island separated by its own pains, secluded in its happiness” Kahlil Gibran 3rd - Tagaytay-“Work becomes our spiritual journey when our destination is no longer just becoming more successful or more wealthy, or getting a pay check, promotion, or job security, but when we also work to resolve a most fundamental question: Can we be at home in our lives - can we be open, honest, and at ease under all circumstances, moment by moment?” Michael Carroll 4th - Tagaytay - “We are all travelers in the wilderness of this world, and the best we can find in our travels is an honest friend.” – Robert Louis Stevenson
5th - Tagaytay- "You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment. Fools stand on their island opportunities and look toward another island. There is no other land, there is no other life but this."-Henry Thoreau (American essayist, poet and philospher, 1817-1862
TOUR & PHOTOS BY EBB RESELLA: I'd like to share and add our day trip to Tagaytay last February , 2010. I have never been to Nasugbu, Batangas. I have nothing to write about this place. I wonder, if there are many "guwapos" in Nasugbu? Esther's photos are romantic. But I had been to Balayan Bay, Batangas many times. During college days, I attended many bible conferences there. I had many beautiful & inspiring memories of the camp. Although it was funded by American missionary group, the camp was not as fancy. But it was gorgeously located by the Balayan Bay. That's the only place I'd seen in Batangas.TAGAYTAY,PHILIPPINES (2010)
Rhod & Ebb- This photo was taken at some POINT w/ the beautiful Taal Volcano & lake in the background. We took a jeepney to get us to the top. It was pricey but some of our companions couldn't walked the steep walkway going up. But we walked going down. It was much easier, good exercise and libre.
The City of Tagaytay is located in the province of Cavite, Philippines. It is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. Tagaytay City provides a good view of the Taal Vocano. The city is a popular summer tourist destination because of its cool climate due to its high altitude. It's about 2 hours from Manila w/ out traffic. W/ heavy traffic it's 3 hours nightmare.
A LOVELY VIEW OF TAAL VOLCANO
Taal Volcano, in the Philippines, has been called the smallest active volcano in the world. It is located about 70-km south of Manila on an island inside a lake called Taal Lake. What makes Taal Volcano more unique is the fact that the volcano itself has a lake of its own inside its crater which is called the "Crater Lake." CLOSE UP OF TAAL VOLCANO & LAKE- As tourists we went to the town of Talisay, a few kilometers down the slopes of Tagaytay city. A motorboat & a guide took us to the volcano island (where this crater lake is) for approximately 45 minutes. For those who could afford, disabled, ederly or plain lazy — they normally take horses up the slopes to the viewing deck. By horses, the viewing deck is only about 20 minutes from the shore(where the boats dock). By foot, the same distance can be covered in an hour or so. During our visit, the path was very dusty.We decided to forgo the horse tour although it's included on our tour package. It was extremely hot and dusty and we don't like to get sick.

OUR HAPPY GROUP- My cousin Lita & her brother Carlos (our driver)accompanied us to this tour (left side.) Dave & cousin Cely fr.Maryland ( right side) joined us too.We were a happy bunch despite of the heat.

BEAUTIFUL ISLAND

"It's fun to imagine what you could do with that kind of money. I could buy that ISLAND I've wanted to buy all my life, live there with my family. Or I could buy some great piece of art that's just going to feed my eyes every day. It's fun to toy with the notion of that, and it is very tempting because money,unfortunately is freedom in today's world." - By Johnny Depp (quote of an American film actor-Owensboro, Kentucky, USA) CLICK ON PHOTOS TO ENLARGE
REMARKS BY EBB RESELLA:I am always inspired with island poems, especially if the writter is as young as a fourth grader. What a gift! Our guest poetress for our blog is Sophie, a beautiful grand daughter of our dear classmate,Puri. As we all know Puri is not only a talented Bayanihan dancer, excellent chef but also a good writer. No wonder Sophie inherited it from her lola & tatay.
On the lighter side, Rhod & I are island lovers. Many of our past vacations, trips & cruises were focused on tropical islands. We are not as weathy as Johnny Depp (the famous actor of numerous "Pirates Of The Caribbean") films. But like him, we've toyed w/ the idea of buying a small island. If only........we have boatload of money! I wonder how many islands are now named after us????? When we were island hopping in Honda Bay, Palawan last 2010, our tour guide told us that those many desserted islands we sailed by..... are FOR SALE. They are very cheap but those islands are sinking. Do we like to buy sinking islands? NOPE!

"BEAUTIFUL ISLAND"

Written by Sophia Zivanic

Palm trees that sway

On a bright sunny day

Birds that sing

Things in the Spring

Sunsets of all color
Spending time with each

other
These are the things a beautiful

island sings

Dry dark blue ocean

Putting on suntan lotion

Sitting by a pool to relax
Ignoring all of your tasks
These are the things a

beautiful island brings



MY DREAM HOUSE: Beautifully located in Panglao Island, Bohol. Look like one of those bungalow huts build on the South Pacific. This nipa hut is build on the water w/ lovely florals on the balcon but w/ out the shocking price of owning one. Whoever owns this hut, I am jealous. To me, this is close to PARADISE.
ACKNOWEDGEMENT: The lasts photos are mine. The first four photos are borrowed from Rhod. All the photos were taken in Panglao Island, Bohol. Except the sunset, which was taken in the island of Boracay.

Dialogue & Travelogue Along The Golden Road

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."— Mark Twain

By Ebb Dirige Resella & Celia Arreza Espiritu

Ebb: Hello everyone! This blog format is something new and came out of Celia’s recent sympathy e-mail to me. An informal kind…ala….. Oprah talk show. The contents, comments, views are not fictitious but all true. Of course, I added & embellished some… to make it sounds more appetizing to read. As the original blogger of Gintong Daan, it’s my great privilege to have a dialogue w/ our dear classmate, Celia. Back in high school, I thought of her as a CELEBRITY. This chit-chat is not a Tessie M. regular column but my new idea of a talk- show-blog.
Celia: Ebb, my sympathies on the passing of your aunt. God gave her a long life. Let's pray we live long and fruitful lives too.
Ebb: Thank you so much for your delightful e-mail. It’s like a very refreshing shot after surviving lots of sad news about deaths from two families. My aunt who recently passed away was the last of the big Villa clan (my mother’s side). One by one we saw them died & got buried. The reality of death is….. scary. The whole clan was gone. Soon it will be our generation that will be next. But we should move on & continue to be fruitful. So at the end of our lives there will be no regrets.
You know, never in my dreams did I imagine that someday you’ll be writing me so many e-mails. When we were re-connected during our 50th reunion last Feb.20, 2010, we didn’t have much time to chit-chat. But we had lots of hugs & smiles. Look at our photo below. Taken during the Bali Hai dance practice.

Celia: I was so busy being the president & coordinator of our 50th & 79th reunion. Luckily, we didn’t get sick despite of hectic schedules, planning & endless dance practices. Hooray!
Ebb: When we were in high school, I didn’t remember having a long chit-chat w/ you either. You’re very studious, smart & sophisticated. No wonder you became the Valedictorian of class 1960. You probably didn’t noticed we were only together in Section A during our freshman & sophomore years. Some teachers disliked me so much they tossed me from one section to the other. Junior year, I was in Section D. Senior year I was in Section C. I wondered why? Anyway, I didn’t resent them. The good part was that I got to know many wonderful classmates from the other sections of class of 1960. More varieties.
Celia: Geez.....sorry, I had no idea about this….??????????? All I know was that I was the favorites of all the teachers. Shhh…… especially Mrs. Bonifacio. I made a scrapbook about her.
Ebb: Let’s changed our topic, okay? Let’s walk slowly down memory lanes & chit-chat about our once upon a time travels on the Golden Road (“Gintong Daan”). I am happy to write that many are now reading our new pwu blog: http://gintongdaanpwuhs1960.blogspot.com/
Celia: Ebb, you are so consistent and devoted to our blog it puts me to shame. I get bursts of inspiration which prompts me to write. Otherwise, I follow blog entries and the lively exchange of email. Sometimes I don't share my day by day musings because it may not be of interest to you or others. Oftentimes, my days are so full of activities I can't find the time or creative energy to write. Enjoyed going over your interesting blog entries with accompanying pictures of your travel highlights. Roby and I like travelling just like you and Rhod.
Ebb: I am glad you found my travel blog interesting. Also intrigued that you open up about your many travels. Cora, Puri, Evelyn NZ, Sari, etc. shared many of their travels through our e-mail exchanged. I hope you have been following. We could document & preserve our travels together in our pwu blog as heritage for our future generations. When you write about your travel, it would be nice to SHARE photos. I am happy you had cruised many times. Tell me where you had cruised before?
Celia: Cruising is the way to go at our age. We've done it as a couple to the Caribbean.
Ebb: How wonderful to know you’re a seasoned traveler too & you’re into cruising. How come our paths never crossed during those Caribbean cruises? We did Western Caribbean (Jamaica, Grand Cayman & Cozumel) in 2001. Eastern Caribbean ( Jamaica, Aruba) in 2005. So. Caribbean ( Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Sta. Lucia, St. Maarten, Antigua, & Barbados) in Spring 2007. I documented our So. Caribbean cruise on my art blog: http://forever-art.blogspot.com/
When you get to “Forever-Art”- Go to the BLOG ARCHIVE on the LEFT. CLICK on dates starting on July 28,2007 or ending on Sept. 10,2007. I posted 7 series entitled "ART OF CRUISING THE CARIBBEAN." Very long posts but good reading when you have nothing to do. When you get to the end of the series, “CLICK Older Blog”(found on the right side bottom). Or you can go to the left & CLICK the dates. It’s a little tricky to maneuver my art blog. Practice! Enjoy the Caribbean tour!
Celia: And the Mediterranean. With our entire family in Southeast Asia, my in laws to Alaska, with our Canyon Woods neighbors on the Baltic Sea 12-day cruise.
Ebb: We did the Mediterranean cruise to (Italy, Greece & Turkey) in Fall 2007. We traveled & cruised with cousins but NOT as a great. We’ve tried traveling w/ some of my sisters but were whinners. You need lots of patience when traveling. Rhod & I are very compatible travelers. We are very patient. We like the same food, tours, sights, & activities. We traveled w/ our own children a lot. Had very good times & memories. Never experience traveling w/ in-laws. We like warm & nice beaches, so we spent lots of vacations in places like Hawaii, Caribbean, Mexico & Florida. Alaska & the Baltic are on our future bucket list. You seemed to have seen them all. Would you like to share your other trip?
Celia:But in a large country as China, we've gone on extended land travel with Roby's ex-officemates who are retirees themselves, taking one section of the country at a time. Memorable was our climb to the Great Wall- I was the only one who made to the top on that section and it took me an hour. I just took on the personal challenge so I could say that at age 65, (that was 2 years ago) I could still do it.
Ebb: After our trip to the Philippines last Feb. 2010, we took a 12 day Southeast Asia cruise w/ Diamond Princess. We started in Bangkok and ended in Beijing. Before sailing to Beijing we went to Shanghai. After the cruise we stayed in Beijing for four days. We joined a small private tour group. Our first day was a big disappointment because it rained half day, as we toured the Forbidden city, Tianamen Square, Golden Palace & Summer Palace. Next day tour, the weather was nice and a bit sunny. It was winter time (end of March). We had a private car & tour of the Great Wall. Just four of us - the driver and travel guide woman. Our climb was as memorable as yours. I know many people who didn’t make it to the top. But Rhod & I made it. I was 66 yrs. old back then. It was an exhilarating experience to get to the TOP. It wasn’t easy but we were kind to our bodies. We had to stop in between steep steps & catch up w/ our breaths. The great height drained our stamina but we did it slowly at our own pace. Good we were not competing in a marathon. The Great Wall is an awesome & amazing sight. Look at my photo below. Still smiling although naghihingalo. Ha! Ha! Ha!
Celia: We've also gone all over Turkey (that was 10 years ago) Israel and Egypt, touring these countries before the terrorists came in.
Ebb: Israel is on our bucket list too but not Egypt. With the recent uprising, I bet it’s not too safe. Many American where evacuated during the riots and warned not to venture there. So tell me what’s your favorite places?
Celia: But our personal favorite was the Spain Portugal and Morocco tour we took 3 years ago. We somehow felt a connection specially with Spain because of our roots. A few years ago on another cruise, we found ourselves in Barcelona during the month-long celebration of Gaudi's art, architecture and his famous Sagrada Familia. That was so special! I too appreciate art.
Ebb: I am glad you highly rated Spain, Portugal & Morocco. That’s next on our travel-list. We are planning to do a land tour of the 3 countries on September. We had been to Europe many times but somehow we never wanted to go to Spain. After our trip to the Philippines & Acapulco, Mexico in 2010, I finally convinced Rhod to go to Spain. We’d like to connect to our roots. After the land tour we plan to take another Mediterranean cruise starting from Barcelona. Last week I bought a colorful book on Barcelona & the Gaudi art & architecture. Could hardly wait to get there.
Celia: We've also tried to see parts of Europe using the Eurailpass, but I found it too challenging as we had to look for lodging each time we would get to the train station in another city. Good for the young and those who travel light (not me.) Not for those who have motion sickness like me
Ebb: Although Rhod is a good navigator, we never tried Eurailpass. His time is too valuable to waste scouting for places. Once, we tried doing our own tours of Italy/France w/ our 4 children. We ended up wasting lots of time looking for places, hotels, etc. & waiting in lines going to museums/attractions. We also spent more money paying for toll roads, gas & other hidden expenses. We favored escorted tours & full package. Although more expensive, it’s worth paying the extra dollars for convenience & less stress. During my 40’s, when I was going through difficult hearing loss, I suffered from motion sickness too. Traveling by air & sea made me threw up and took hours to get back to normal. I depended on Dramamine to survive traveling. We never took cruises till 2001 ( 2 years after I had a cochlear implant on my right ear in 1997). The implant was amazing because I no longer suffer from motion sickness. So far I could fly on the plane w/ out Dramamine. I had enjoyed 10 cruises w/out getting sea sick. And many land tours w/ out getting motion sickness. God knows I like to travel and He healed me.
Celia: Travelling has not only made us closer but has made us more in awe of God's creation and provision. God truly shows himself in his creation and just the thought that he made it all for our enjoyment is humbling. God bless you.
Ebb: That’s a beautiful thought to keep us traveling more in our sunset years. Here's a parting thought from Jonathan Clements- "Retirement is like a long vacation in Las Vegas. The goal is to enjoy it the fullest, but not so fully that you run out of money."

A FRUITFUL GOLDEN ROAD

As I get older the days go faster. I wonder why? Already February? Unbelievable! Although I am pretty much busy…..I haven’t done as much as planned.
There is no new press release for our blog. I am hesitant to post because you might get bored that it’s me again. I know many of you are scared to share about yourselves. It takes lots of guts to give yourselves away.
Although there were many changes in my life over the years, there’s no change in my craving for tropical fruits. When I was younger, my grandma & mother sounded like a recording….."Eat fruits & vegetables everyday. You’ll be healthy & have long life." Vegetables! Yuck! But fruits….siempre…mas masarap at matamis.
I’d like to share some colorful & fruity photos when I traveled along the Golden Road last 2010. What a fruitful year! Hopefully this year 2011 will also be fruitful for all of us. Enjoy looking at these colorful fruits.
TAGAYTAY, PHILIPPINES

POSING WITH MY COUSINS BESIDE A GIGANTIC PINEAPPLE SCULPTURES. LOVELY TO BEHOLD BUT FORBIDDEN TO EAT (MADE OF STONE).

PHOTO#2: ASSORTED COLORFUL MELONS AT ROBINSON'S ERMITA,MANILA. AFTER I TOOK THIS PHOTO, SOMEONE WARNED ME THAT IT IS NOT ALLOWED TO TAKE PHOTOS INSIDE THE SUPERMARKET. I HAD NO IDEA WHY BAWAL?
PUERTO PRINCESSA, PALAWAN
NICE DISPLAY OF KASUYS AND MANGOES AT THE BADJAO RESTO. VERY PRETTY LIKE PRINCESSAS.










RIGHT: ALLEGRE RESORT, SAGUD, CEBU
HAVEN”T SEEN A REAL LANKKA TREE FOR YEARS. THIS WAS EXCITING!




HO CHI MINH, VIETNAM. ENJOYED VENTURING INTO THIS COLORFUL VIETNAMESE FRUIT MARKET






RIGHT PHOTO: NHA TRANG, VIETNAM.
COLORFUL AND SWEET PAPAYAS!
MY FAVORITE FRUIT. GOOD FOR DIGESTIVE SYSTEM.





MANZANILLO, MEXICO-FRUIT STAND
BALIMBING, GUYABANO & PINAS

(MANZANILLO,MEXICO -FRUIT STAND- DECEMBER 2010)

EBB W/ AMONG ABUNDANT GOOD LOOKING BANANAS & LANGKAS
Looking at all this colorful topical fruits makes me in the mood to make my favorite fruit salad. Of course I will not be using fresh fruits but cans of Del Monte fruit cocktails, condensed milk & nestle cream. I will add some shredded fresh coconuts and surely…….yummy…yummy!

Pee Wee's Special Day by E. Lejano

"Fly free and happy beyond birthdays and across forever, and we'll meet now and then when we wish, in the midst of the one celebration that never can end." ...Richard Bach

In spite of the storm blizzard yesterday, January 8, 2011, the Canadian group braved the slippery road and were able to get together to celebrate PeeWee's birthday. Thanks to our expert drivers Rory V. Agellon and Tessie O. Guerra. We had lunch at Star Walk Buffet Restaurant at siyempre busog na busog na naman kami. After lunch, we dropped by to say hello to PeeWee's mother, who at 86 looks like 65 years young. A very beautiful, regal and entertaining lady.

We then proceeded to PeeWee's house to continue our celebration. We had lots of fun as usual - laughing on top of our lungs, grinning from ear to ear, singing out of tune and wagging our tongues out for the fun of it.

To highlight the evening, PeeWee blew her uncountable birthday candles and cut the birthday cake baked by our one and only Rory.

A FRIEND'S BIRTHDAY

by Naty O. Cristi
We did it again. Tonight, we got home with a song in our hearts. We just celebrated the birthday of a high school classmate. Since the beginning of last year, we have been marking this special day for each one in our group. A special day indeed, because each one of us is special to one another.

Is there a more appropriate time to remember what we've been through together during our young, carefree days than today, our friend's birthday? Yes, we celebrated with her today, happy to know she's still as much a part of our life now as she was then.
For now, we would like to greet and toast our friend, Wilhelmina "Pee-Wee" Reyes Bella. Happy, happy birthday, dear PeeWee (PWee in short...he he he). May you find the lyrics to the beautiful song you inspired in all of us that celebrated with you today.

Thank you for your friendship.

"HAPPY NEW YEAR" TO VINTAGE CLASS 1960

"Cheers to a NEW YEAR and another chance for us to get it right."- by Ophrah Winfrey

By Evelyne Dirige Resella:"HAPPY NEW YEAR TO THE VINTAGE PWU CLASS 1960!" A good new name as suggested by Bong. Also endless CHEERS to our class 1960. Like what Ophrah said a new year means.... "another chance for us to get it right." If we left many things wrong in the past, this year 2011, is a chance to make things RIGHT. I confessed that many things didn't turn out right last year. Thank God there is always another chance to begin anew. Ophrah is one of those inspiring & successuful ebony women in America today. She made it despite of being a female, ebony, and not the brain & beauty type. Today she's a well known American TV personality, actress, producer & has her own network called OWN (Ophrah Winfrey Network). Let's listen & be inspired w/ her continued success despite of many challenges & distractions in life. It's never to late.

After almost 2 weeks of absence, I am happy to be back home. What's going on in the real world? My hubby & I got back home last night. I spent hours reading through my countless e-mails which entertained a weary traveler's body. Although I missed Carmel and the beautiful sights we experienced & savored, it's wonderful to be connected w/ friends & classmates.

I said that I will be blogging less this new year but...... I couldn't start painting because of repairs being done in our condo. Prior to Christmas we had a week of heavy rain here in San Diego. Since we live on the edge/cliff, our condo had a water damaged & it will take a while to restore the mess. Meanwhile, I am back, amigas!

Spending Christmas & New Year's Eve 2010 at the Hyatt Highland Carmel Resort were the best of the BEST that we had ever enjoyed. We always wanted an exclusive family Christmas celebration and get-away amidst the mountains, Monterey pines, cypress trees, and great ocean views. It was a dream come true.

After a long drive from San Diego, my hubby & I stopped at our home in Valencia for Christmas Eve. Then on Christmas Day we made another long drive to Carmel via 101. It was so cold, windy and raining hard but we made it safely to the Hyatt Carmel. Luckily the day after Christmas was sunny and warm. Our family took a walk around the resort & then hiked at Point Lobos, nearby. Then we watched the beautiful sunset at the famous Lone Cypress Point.

We spent one summer & one spring time ago at this beautiful resort. Our recent photos are not ready yet, so I am posting photos of the resort taken last 2008. It still looks the same & beautiful as ever.

GORGEOUS VIEW OF THE OCEAN FROM OUR BALCONY

ANOTHER VIEW OF THE OCEAN (POINT LOBOS STATE PARK) FROM OUR BALCONY
VIEW #3-FROM OUR BALCONY

SHHH.......OUR BREATHTAKING BATH ROOM W/ HUGE JACUZZI, SHOWER & TOILET. THE SUITE HAD A JAPANESE MOTIFF. THE TUB COULD BE ENCLOSED W/ SLIDING DOORS. COME & TAKE A PEEK!

THIS IS THE INTERIOR OF OUR HYATT VACATION CLUB SUITE. HAVE IT ALL- LIVING ROOM, FIRE PLACE WITH GOOD SMELLING FIREWOODS, DINING AREA & FULL KITCHEN - COMPLETE W/ FRIDGE, OVEN, MICRO WAVE, DISHWASHER, COFFEE MAKER, UTENSILS, POTS & PANS, TOASTER, DISH TOWELS, MODERN/WHITE JAPANESE PLATES & DISHES, WINE GLASSES, ETC.

ON CHRISTMAS NIGHT MY ELDEST SON & I PREPARED A DELICIOUS PRIME RIB DINNER WITH ALL THE TRIMMINGS. A ROOM SERVICE CHEESE APPETIZERS & A BOTTLE OF OPOLO WINE WERE DELIVERED TO OUR ROOM. COMPLIMENT FROM HYATT.

ONE LATE AFTERNOON AS SEEN FROM OUR BALCONY ROOM. THE BEAUTIFUL SUNSET SKY & HANDSOME BIRD ADDED LOTS OF LAUGHTER.

A REALLY NICE PLACE FOR MINI-REUNION.

HOPEFULLY SOMEDAY WE COULD DO IT HERE.......???????????????????????