The After Christmas


Here's hoping that every one had a peaceful Christmas celebration. My family take turns hosting the Christmas luncheon (which actually last until midnight or so) and this year happened to be my turn, which limited my blogging time before Christmas to zero.

Thankfully everything went well. Most of the family members came and spent time with us. This year, however, the party didn't last as long as normal because some were not feeling well due to seasonal colds. While I was sad that our time was cut short, I was likewise relieved that I had more time to rest after the festivities.

The following day, we had friends over for dinner. Afterwards we played some video games (they have kids) and drank some wine and ate some pie.

On Friday, the hubby and I wanted to get away for a bit so we drove to Pt. Reyes National Seashore and hiked a bit. We saw elks up close, hawks and turkey vultures too. We stopped to taste organic cheese at Nicasio Valley and shared a humongous pumpkin scone and cup of coffee from Bovine Bakery in downtown Point Reyes Station.

On Saturday, we thought we'd do some after-Christmas window shopping in Berkeley. Fourth Street in Berkeley is a shopping and dining destination. Mall shopping is not my thing, but I love walking up and down the length of Fourth Street entering stores filled with delightful items from fancy to simple to creative and artistic. And of the street is decorated with pretty lights.

We arrived just before twilight.








No matter how much I resisted I left Crates and Barrel with a bag so heavy that every now and then I had to sit on the sidewalk benches.


So busy with shopping that the sun was setting by the time we got out of Crates and Barrel.

More shots of lights.





While the hubby was shooting, the guy who was selling his photographs on the sidewalk stall asked about his camera. Then we chatted with him. His photos are really good, he's a terrific photographer. We browsed at the selection and picked one which we wanted to purchase. We chose a fall colors photo of different kinds of tree trunks.


His name is Rick Auerbach. We asked for his website and he said he has none, but is planning on remedying that because everyone asks for it.


We asked him to autograph the photo and this was what he wrote: To Roy and Maria.... May the colors of the world always bring you wonder - Rick Auerbach.

OUR WORLD TUESDAY

Comments

  1. it's very nice these lights

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  2. looks so festive! thanks for introducing rick auerbach, i do hope he'll put up a website soon

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  3. The lights at this time of the year are what makes it for me, Maria, as you have seen on my own blog. I just love the lights! And how fun to share this special moment with a fellow photographer! Happy New Year.

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  4. I really like the Christmas lights.

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  5. Wonderful night shots and delightful time for you and hubby ~ Love the man Auerbach ~ great post ~ Happy New Year to you ~ carol

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  6. What a wonderful evening with those lights, the atmosphere and a photo to remember your time there. Happy New Year.

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  7. Hi! Nice captures. Your photos are very beautiful. Wishing you a Happy New Year.

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  8. Beautiful light displays! Happy New Year:-)

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  9. that's a wonderful message from that man :) happy new year!

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  10. Wonderful decorations for Christmas. Beautiful.

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  11. Words of wisdom indeed! We wish you and your hubby all the best for 2014. Greetings from chilly cold HK, our much delayed trip pushed through fortunately despite all the stressful moments.

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  12. Wonderful words of wisdom from the photographer and lovely festive lights.

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  13. That street is really decked out! Thanks for all your comments this year! Happy New Year!

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  14. I lolove 4th Street but I've never been there during Christmas. They do a great job decorating.

    I always do the same at crate and barrel. Funnily, I was just thinking earlier that I really need some more small dessert plates. We're having 7 over for new years eve and I only have 6 plates. But no time to go to berkeley.

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  15. A very good series of street shot including some fine night shots. Interesting contact with another photographer.

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  16. Your after-Xmas is busy! I don't enjoy mall shopping myself and prefer charming shoppings streets such as the Fourth Street Berekely, where you can find unique good and meet interesting people like Rich Auebach. I think your encounter with him is precious and I think what he wrote for you is really special.
    Happy New Year, too you. It wonderful meeting you in blogoshere this year. All the bestin 2014.

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  17. I like the festive mood shown by the lights in these pictures.

    Glad to hear you had great holiday times with your families.

    Happy New Year to you too!

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  18. I like the festive mood shown by the lights in these pictures.

    Glad to hear you had great holiday times with your families.

    Happy New Year to you too!

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  19. Lovely festive photos. How nice of Auerbach to autograph his photo for you.

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  20. I love Christmas street lights, they´re so pretty to look at. Happy New Year, Maria! :)

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  21. What a beautiful place to do some shopping. Happy New Year!

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