Friday, George and I met our friend who arrived from Rome; we met her for lunch at Il Pastaio restaurant in Beverly Hills.   The owner’s brother operates Pasadena’s Celestino.   I noticed fewer holiday shoppers in Beverly Hills than in years past.  I think the poor economy has finally “trickled up”.

Saturday, a friend and I took a trip to the Los Angeles Flower Mart.  Interestingly their poinsettias are always more than the prices at the market, or Costco. The flower mart is always a sensory overload, and a fun way to spend the morning.   We enjoyed a very late breakfast at the Pantry.  I think the Salvation Army must be nearby because I noticed a couple of family’s with Salvation Army boxes and the children carrying new toys.  If you haven't been downtown lately, Saturday is a great day to do so; less traffic. And if you haven't seen the New Nokia Center (LA Live) you will be amazed.  Downtown Los Angeles has made an amazing transformation.



I then rushed to make an appointment on Pasadena’s Orange Grove; I just love their mid century condos!  The bleachers for the Rose Parade are erected, which is very exciting to see. 


Then back to La Canada, to bring an early dinner to a client’s new home; she just barely made it in (mini-remodel) for Christmas.  While picking up my client's early dinner I ran into Sam Buchanan, listing agent for the La Canada Lautner which has been on the market "for awhile"; he told me it's closing this week.

George and I were due at a party in West Hollywood, but he has a sore throat and didn’t make it out of bed.  I have been sneezing, so we stayed in. 

Sunday, I took George’s aunt to the movies, and then to Montrose’s Farmer’s Market; Santa was there.   I soon found out that I only had $10 in my wallet (spent all of my cash at the Flower Mart) and we left.  I ran to Cordon’s Ranch Market in Montrose and bought two chicken legs and made George chicken soup.  I don’t know why but it always seems to help a cold.

My parents soon return from their cruise and I pick them up at the Los Angeles pier in San Pedro on Christmas Eve.  We are having Christmas dinner here with them and my cousin’s family… So much left to do… and I haven’t even mentioned the upcoming birthdays to celebrate at our home after Christmas.