Growing up just a block away from the original McConnell’s Ice Cream, it was a always special treat for our family to walk there for scoops! My fav was chocolate chip and later blueberry which was different than how they make it now. Back then it was completely dark purple and my tongue—the same color as my tongue after the last lick of it!
Thanks for sharing that memory, Kate! We’ve been to McConnell’s Ice Cream in Santa Barbara and think it as fine as ever, though I don’t think I was ever lucky enough to sample the blueberry that turned your tongue purple. My friend Susie brought us three flavors—vanilla, salted caramel and peppermint stick (my favorite!)—all gone now. Wish there were McConnell’s nearby to walk to!
I have no idea how you have the energy to make elaborate holiday meals for all those people, Ruth. Traditions with family and friends are lovely, but just looking at that long table exhausts me!
I hope you have a wonderful 2025, and I look forward to reading more of your stories this year.
Thank you, Clarice! It was a bit exhausting, I admit, but it seemed to make everyone quite happy. Each year I swear never to do it again—and then I do. I think therapy is in order. Or more help.😅
What a great compilation, Ruth. A year well lived! And congratulations to Jeff re the PhotoWalks! Very cool! Question, re the seagull video, was that taken at Pismo beach? Just curious. Oh and btw, HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Happy New Year, Jeanine! No, the seagull video was taken in Manhattan Beach--though we are frequent visitors to Pismo also. Have you been there or to MB?
Thanks for your comments--and I passed your congrats on to Jeff. 🤗
Yes to both! An old boyfriend's parents, way back when, lived in MB. And Pismo was a place we'd occasionally go to or stop enroute to Nor or SoCal. Very welcome re comments!
Thanks so much, Jolene! Seeing you will be one of the highlights of the trip! And of course we'll need some pointers on your beloved adopted city, which we don't know at all--yet! Can't wait!🥰
You are the queen of leftovers, Judy--and I mean that in a nice way. The result is always tasty. Still more rugelach in the freezer, though It will be parceled out very soon!
Look how pretty the table settings and room is!! I heard it was a deliciously delightful party! No doubt with you in the kitchen prepping! Hope you are taking some down time this week and eating the yummy leftovers yourself! Great job Ruth!!!
Awww, thanks, Mindy! Unfortunately I've been sampling a few too many of those leftovers! (So much for NY's resolutions!) Wouldn't it be nice if one day we could celebrate the holidays together? It sounds like you guys had fun too! Wishing y'all a very happy, healthy 2025!❤️
I love leftovers! They are a time-saver. I agree about Jimmy Carter, as well. It has been enlightening to review what I have forgotten about his presidency and humanitarian work. Look forward to tales from your Route 66 trip as I have enjoyed your past travel stories.
Thanks so much, Vicki! Glad to know someone who feels as I do about leftovers! As much as I enjoy food and cooking, sometimes (like now!), I'm glad to spend less time in the kitchen!
I've been enjoying reading the stories about Jimmy Carter too and keep wondering why he was so underestimated in his time.
I hope 2025 will be a good year for you and your family!
I didn't realize that he was such a fan of different types of music. We watched a good documentary that was produced by CNN where he was interviewed extensively as well as musicians he had befriended.
Thank you for the reminder! It's actually in the Eagles song, "Take It Easy" and we stood on the corner mentioned a few years ago. I believe there's a flatbed Ford there too! I'll check out your story.
All the best to you both as well! Looking forward to reading more great stories from your travels in 2025!
Route 66! Exciting travels coming up! I think my favorite title of your posts from last year was Midnight Cake Therapy. Happy new year Ruth! ✨❣️
Thanks, Lolly! Happy 2025 to you too! I liked that title too—and I’m sure i’ll be engaged in more of that therapy very soon! 😆
Growing up just a block away from the original McConnell’s Ice Cream, it was a always special treat for our family to walk there for scoops! My fav was chocolate chip and later blueberry which was different than how they make it now. Back then it was completely dark purple and my tongue—the same color as my tongue after the last lick of it!
Thanks for sharing that memory, Kate! We’ve been to McConnell’s Ice Cream in Santa Barbara and think it as fine as ever, though I don’t think I was ever lucky enough to sample the blueberry that turned your tongue purple. My friend Susie brought us three flavors—vanilla, salted caramel and peppermint stick (my favorite!)—all gone now. Wish there were McConnell’s nearby to walk to!
I have no idea how you have the energy to make elaborate holiday meals for all those people, Ruth. Traditions with family and friends are lovely, but just looking at that long table exhausts me!
I hope you have a wonderful 2025, and I look forward to reading more of your stories this year.
Thank you, Clarice! It was a bit exhausting, I admit, but it seemed to make everyone quite happy. Each year I swear never to do it again—and then I do. I think therapy is in order. Or more help.😅
That pomegranate mousse sounds as heavenly as your Route 66 road trip next year!
Thanks, Amie! The mousse was amazing—definitely need the recipe! Route 66 will be memorable for sure.
Very nicely done!
Thanks so much, Søren!
Thank you for sharing.
You're so welcome, Shawn! Happy New Year!
What a great compilation, Ruth. A year well lived! And congratulations to Jeff re the PhotoWalks! Very cool! Question, re the seagull video, was that taken at Pismo beach? Just curious. Oh and btw, HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Happy New Year, Jeanine! No, the seagull video was taken in Manhattan Beach--though we are frequent visitors to Pismo also. Have you been there or to MB?
Thanks for your comments--and I passed your congrats on to Jeff. 🤗
Yes to both! An old boyfriend's parents, way back when, lived in MB. And Pismo was a place we'd occasionally go to or stop enroute to Nor or SoCal. Very welcome re comments!
Now THAT’s a holiday table! Beautiful recap of 2024, ending with a tribute to Jimmy. Cannot wait to see you in Chicago in April, Ruth! xx
Thanks so much, Jolene! Seeing you will be one of the highlights of the trip! And of course we'll need some pointers on your beloved adopted city, which we don't know at all--yet! Can't wait!🥰
Me either, Ruth!
I love leftovers. I love soup. Chinese leftovers always go into soup. I love your desserts. Great article.
You are the queen of leftovers, Judy--and I mean that in a nice way. The result is always tasty. Still more rugelach in the freezer, though It will be parceled out very soon!
Save some
Look how pretty the table settings and room is!! I heard it was a deliciously delightful party! No doubt with you in the kitchen prepping! Hope you are taking some down time this week and eating the yummy leftovers yourself! Great job Ruth!!!
Awww, thanks, Mindy! Unfortunately I've been sampling a few too many of those leftovers! (So much for NY's resolutions!) Wouldn't it be nice if one day we could celebrate the holidays together? It sounds like you guys had fun too! Wishing y'all a very happy, healthy 2025!❤️
I love leftovers! They are a time-saver. I agree about Jimmy Carter, as well. It has been enlightening to review what I have forgotten about his presidency and humanitarian work. Look forward to tales from your Route 66 trip as I have enjoyed your past travel stories.
Thanks so much, Vicki! Glad to know someone who feels as I do about leftovers! As much as I enjoy food and cooking, sometimes (like now!), I'm glad to spend less time in the kitchen!
I've been enjoying reading the stories about Jimmy Carter too and keep wondering why he was so underestimated in his time.
I hope 2025 will be a good year for you and your family!
I didn't realize that he was such a fan of different types of music. We watched a good documentary that was produced by CNN where he was interviewed extensively as well as musicians he had befriended.
I will have to look for that one, Vicki! Thanks for the tip. 🤗
Don't miss Winslow, Ariizona on your Route 66 trip. We wrote about it a while back...
All the best from us both for 2025, Ruth!
Thank you for the reminder! It's actually in the Eagles song, "Take It Easy" and we stood on the corner mentioned a few years ago. I believe there's a flatbed Ford there too! I'll check out your story.
All the best to you both as well! Looking forward to reading more great stories from your travels in 2025!
Great wrap and love how you ended it on a positive note, with a tribute to Jimmy Carter.
Thanks, Jeff!❤️