That’s MRS. Betty Crocker to you.

I said that this next year was going to be my best year. I said that I  resolve to try new things and this is what happens when you actually do go for it.

I entered a cookoff today. I had only made this cake once before and had even modified the recipe so I gambled.

It was a pumpkin-caramel cake with pecans on top and pumpkin/Cool Whip filling in between the layers.

There were other desserts as contenders.

There were lots of different types of entries.

but people seemed to like mine.

 

“You like me, you really, really like me,” was Sally Field’s most stupid line uttered so I didn’t say it.

Betty Crocker called. She is not happy. She wants her cut.

I hope everybody reading this blog takes the challenge to live the next year with more gusto and willingness to take that extra step and really involve yourself in living life. I refuse to passively watch others living life actively and enjoying it. I plan to go for it and relish every moment I can. It feels great to try and win, instead of not try and let life pass you by. May we all enjoy this next year as best we can.

For Ruslan and my Other Friends up North

I am amazed at how much the readership of this blog has increased. I am now receiving feedback from all over the world and people are loving this blog. I will be forever grateful to JW, of the South Padre Network, for showing me enough about technology to have made this blog possible and glad I can bring smiles to so many people’s faces, all over the world now. That is amazing. This is for Ruslan, Matvey and Ludmila in Moscow, to show them that it is beautiful down here. The people are wonderful and we welcome you to our beautiful part of the world. Keep sending me emails at padreprincess23@gmail.com and send pics of your part of the world too. Thanks for all the well-wishers. I only learned how to blog in August so I only have few pictures in my gallery of photos. These are but a few.

South Padre Island is an island that is next to the southernmost tip of Texas. We are celebrating the Christmas holidays right now. A local sandsculpting master, Sandyfeet, created this masterpiece for the public to enjoy.

We even have a pirate ship docked here that is guaranteed fun.

We have a beautiful lighted boat parade that people come for miles around to enjoy.

We are right next to Mexico so you can get great Mexican food here.

We have areas with beautiful wildlife close by.

But when you are on Padre, the main draw is the beach.

This was a Valley Christian High School outing that was so much fun to be a part of.

The island has a beach side and a bay side. The beautiful sunsets over the bay are absolutely magnificent and awe the spectator.

The colors meld together in an amazing fashion.

The fishing is good. Gladiator II Offshore Adventures can take you on a private, personalized offshore or bay fishing trip.

 

Fresh fish is delicious and many island restaurants will prepare your catch for you. This is a typical catch when you choose Gladiator II Adventures for your bay fishing trip.

 

 The fishing is exciting and a learning experience here. These fish had a real bite!

 

It is a very tropical scene and the most populous tree  is the palm tree.

 

I am no photographer but this place is so beautiful anyone can take a gorgeous picture.

 

Especially if the model is gorgeous.

My dog, Princess, says come on down, the water’s fine! I only learned from my friend, JW, how to blog in August and these are just a few of the pictures I have taken since then. You can see the island through his camera eyes here. All I can tell you is that the people here are genuinely kind, friendly and helpful. The food is really good and affordable here. My other project of the best things to do in this area is a project in the works but you can see it here. I will post more later on but I have to help my daughter with a computer crisis. Know that if you choose to come here, you will have made a choice that your family will love!

Christmas Tree Decorating Party

Princess knew something was up when she heard a gaggle of giggles in the front room.

You can’t have a Christmas Tree Decorating Party without popcorn.

You gotta hook up the jams.

The menu was very healthy and included: pizza, candy, chocolate cake, root beer floats, and sodas.

These girls are the sweetest girls you could ever meet.

 

Taking off the blue makes it shine in only silver now.

 

We have a collection of ornaments that include family heirlooms.

 We don’t live in a fancy house or have fancy things but we have love and good friends and that is what life is all about.

My awesome photography skills with my new camera make it look like the tree shoots lasers.

Frikken lasers!

 This is Princess’ mom, Belle. Like I said there is lots of love in the house.