A Very Merry Venice Weekend

What a lovely weekend. The holiday spirit is full steam ahead, and it finally got a little chilly, so that helps you feel like more of the real deal. It was the 19th annual Bakeathon on Saturday with my dear friend, Brigette ... we went off. That consumed all of Saturday, happily baking and catching up, as Christmas carols played in the background.

Sunday was one of those jam-packed with opportunities for fun, so you had to choose carefully for merriment optimization. We celebrated the first half of the day with our great pal, Strader, who was (kind of) surprised for his 30th birthday. Fried chicken and a land shark were the highlights of our poolside party, along with clinking glasses in Strader's honor.

Happy Birthday, dear Strider! Here's to a wonderful new year!

We were having such a good time, we lost track of it, and pretty much missed the entire holiday boat parade in the Venice Canals.

We may have missed the actual procession of decorated dinghies, but we still got to see all the lit up bridges and beautiful homes, bursting with color and cheer (and kisses).

Many of the homes were hosting their own annual parties, and music and shouts and laughter could be heard echoing across the water on all sides.

We attended the shindig at the home of the Revelins, and a beautiful time was had by all.

On our stroll home, it was such a delight to cross the bridges, each one decorated with a different theme of glad tidings and peace on earth. By now, the Canals themselves were peaceful, and the clear, starry night had grown colder. All the better to get home to a fire and a blanket and It's A Wonderful Life. Which, of course, it is.

One bridge had a tree that people had attached their Christmas wishes too, a lovely idea, for all the world to see. I hope each one comes absolutely true.

My wish for you all is that you get to spend wonderful time with loved ones, feeling the joy of the season, and the warmth of knowing that you are loved.

And you are. Cheers to everyone, and many thanks for another beautiful weekend to all who made it so!