A VISIT TO ICICLE FALLS

     I can't think of a better way to start December than with a visit to Icicle Falls, which I did this week. And going with girlfriends makes the whole thing even more fun! We wound up with four of us taking the train to Leavenworth, WA, the adorable little Bavarian town that attracts thousands of visitors every Christmas. We took the train up and spent a day visiting many of the shops in town. I wish we'd allowed ourselves another day because we only scratched the surface. But I did get a chance to treat myself to a couple of little goodies from Schocolat, a gourmet shop that makes the most amazing chocolates from Belgian chocolate. Oh, yum! Found a couple of Christmas presents, including a little something for Gerhardt - Lebkuchen, which I know he'll love.
     After a day of shopping it was time to go to the party at A Book For All Seasons bookstore. Pat the owner and her husband Ed have been featured in some of my Icicle Falls books and I always have such a good time hanging out with their wonderful family and all the special people like Theresa who work so hard to help make that little store the success it is.
     If you're looking for a fun place to visit in December, I highly recommend checking out the town that inspired my Icicle Falls series. Who knows? Maybe we'll all have to congregate there and have a giant party. Would you come?

     I came home to find that Gerhardt had been decorating. He'd hung the lovely wreath that arrived from my beloved publicist Nancy Berland. I think it looks great over our fireplace, don't you? Only one little problem. Can you see it? If not, I'll give you a hint. Look where the bow is! We're hosting a big party for my old college buddies tomorrow. I'm going to make sure he re-hangs it. Otherwise the guys will never let him live down his boo-boo.
     Well, that's it for now. I hope you're all enjoying the joys of the season.