~MAKING MERRY~

Blondie and The Husband at the Annual Lake Geneva Christmas Parade.
On Saturday The Husband and I drove to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin to meet fellow blogger Cindy, of Applestone Cottage, and her husband Dan for a weekend of holiday fun. And fun it was. This is the 2nd time we have met up, last year was in Galena, Illinois. We try to meet as halfway as possible as we live on the south side of Chicago and Cindy and Dan live in Northwest Wisconsin. And we try to pick small towns with shopping and ambiance. Lake Geneva was perfect and we even had the snow to make it more festive for the holiday shopping we planned to do. This is a picture of Cindy...look at her pretty smile.

Other than a few snow flurries during the week, we hadn't gotten much snow in Chicago, but Saturday morning we woke up to about 3 inches. I took this picture out the window of the restaurant that we met at. In the background you can see Lake Geneva. This time of year it is filled with holiday shoppers but in the summer it is a resort town with plenty of water sports and vacationers. I have been here a gazillion times at all times of the year and always have a ball. And we did Saturday, too.
Shopping was big on the agenda. Shop owners provided refreshments and holiday music filled the air. I don't remember the name of this shop, but I do remember my promise not to buy any more dishes. And they were all stunning. I really love this holiday set.
Look at this precious Santa face. There is something to be said for restraint.
Don't you love this old world Father Christmas? I believe he has a face somewhere behind his beard.
And this is a table runner Cindy is holding up that we both fell in love with. The store also had place mats, napkins tablecloths and aprons. Paradise.
We were offered peppermint hot chocolate while we browsed.
After shopping we met up with the guys at this place where they were enjoying their own refreshments. A trip to Lake Geneva wouldn't be complete without a stop in Hogs & Kisses.
At 5:00 p.m. we rushed out to catch the Annual Lake Geneva Christmas parade. Although it was only about 30 degrees and we couldn't see over every one's heads, it was so festive and fun. People lined the streets to see the holiday floats, the Fire Department and marching bands. There was even a dog parade. After the parade we had a wonderful, relaxing and WARM dinner at a place called Scuttlebutts. The food was outstanding. Afterward, we went back to our hotel and settled in for some nice conversation.

Hopefully, the next time we meet up it will be summer. And I know for sure we will visit each other again. I have learned that pretty much what you see in a person on a blog is what you get in person. Cindy is warm, generous and fun. Oh, I almost forgot, she gave me a gift bag filled with ornaments and holly and berries, and the cutest white pitcher. I am so sorry that I forgot to take a picture.

I hope you enjoyed this post. I am truly in the Christmas spirit now. Today I am meeting with my old pal, Earl the elf to get my Christmas tree. Now I need a few extra elves to help me decorate it! See you soon! :-)