We had been told by so many people NOT to miss the Tahoe Chamber's Business Expo, South Shore's premier business event.  We were not disappointed.

My day began with volunteering at the event, by checking in the vendors.  What a glimpse of what fun the evening would hold.  It was great to get to know these businesses before the crowds arrived.  There were 97 Chamber Member Businesses showcased.

For the $10 cost of admission, we received an amazing night of "awesomeness".  From the Heavenly Go-Go dancers...

...to Harrah's decadent and addictive chocolate bar!

MontBleu Resort Casino recreated their Boogie Nights where, "You’ll want to brush off those retro clothes, practice your dance moves, and get ready to jump back in time to the groovy 70s and 80s because we’re throwing the ultimate Boogie Nights themed dance party at Blu Nightclub on Saturday nights! Boogie the night away on our lighted dance floor while shaking your groove thing to the largest collections of disco balls you’ve ever seen!"

I can't even capture the festive and friendly atmosphere.  The businesses were really extending their best.  AND there was something for everyone!

Turn 3- The Peanut Bar was serving their special Bloody Marys.  While I didn't drink one, the bacon accent had me intrigued.  Everyone was slurping them like they were good for you!

It wasn't just a party, we gained a lot of information about our local businesses and services, as well.  Those who know me, know I can't resist characters in costume.  Kirkwood pays tribute to all avalanche dogs that help aide in the rescue of victims, with their very own Mascot, Doc the Dog.

Our friend, Kristi, was manning the TRPA booth so we brought her chocolate!

Over 1,200 visitors were expected.  I would say, at least that many were there.  We dined on delicious food provided by dozens of restaurants.  Wine, beer, Rum Runners, and a smorgasbord of YUM was served.  Incredible truly!

You absolutely have to love an event where Elvis is there and where you bump into fabulous people like Deborah and Joe (the previous owners of our cabin).

Steve and I continue to marvel at all there is to experience here in South Lake Tahoe.  Like all Tahoe Chamber events, we had attended this past year, we are so impressed with the organization and value we have received.  We will EXPOse ourselves again next year.  This is not to be missed!

Dan and Heidi came bearing the most delicious and healthy cake to help me celebrate my birthday.  Dinner and camaraderie- a perfect way to end the day!

Since January, my Thursdays have been spent on top of Heavenly Mountain with a gaggle of 5th graders.  Each day presented something different, as winter weather and ten year olds will do.  I loved most of it and today's finale, gave me what I had wanted to see...

...the trees laden with new, powdery snow... breathtaking.

We were promised snow, but received rain and a rainbow instead.  Not a bad way to celebrate the Spring Equinox...

Attending this well done play, at our local community college, seemed the ideal way to kick off our St. Patrick's Day celebration.  What a delightful afternoon.

"The Lake Tahoe Backcountry Festival is collaboration of people that enjoy the wilderness areas that Lake Tahoe provides just beyond it's boundaries."  While that does not describe us, we wanted to go anyway.

We began the night with a barbecue in our backyard.  It's almost Spring!

The event was held at the American Legion Hall, a concert place, rich in history (more about that another time).  We were given 'swag', note our cool Vans hats!

Nick, from Powdiction, explained to us, how storms are predicted.  He was very knowledgeable and even I understood what he was saying.  It was very interesting to learn about this science.

Andy, from Sierra Avalanche Center, scared us but we left his lecture feeling really informed.

The evening ended with a raffle of incredible giveaways.  All I really wanted was this shovel, and Steve won it.  Ty, the guy on the right, was the organizer.  He did a phenomenal job and at the end of the night, I thanked him.  He said, "I hope you learned something."  It was an evening to learn and we really did.  AND it was a blast.

Three times a year, our community donates books to the Friends of the Library for an incredible day of bibliophilism.  Not only did I score some incredible books, I had a total day for delightful fun with wonderful ladies.

Jeanne and I were greeters.  I think the best job- ever!

With a high of 69°, Tahoe is having record high temperatures for March.  Spring seems just around the corner... 

...until the big storm arrives Wednesday! (Thanks Tim for the photo)

I discovered this photo while archiving at the museum.  From the May 31, 1963 'Sierra this Week' section of the Tahoe Daily Tribune, the caption reads:

Sir Edmund Hillary, Mrs. Hillary and their 3 children, Peter 7, Sarah 6, and Belinda 3 are pictured in front of their trailer-tent at a campsite in Fallen Leaf Lake Campground last year.  The Hillarys, on tour of forest service campgrounds, in the US, spent 2 days in the area and were highly complimentary of local forest service facilities.

So, between climbing peaks in the Himalayas, he visited Tahoe.   I so love the history here!

Tonight we attended our first City Council meeting due to the "hot topic" here The Loop Road.  As part of the U.S Highway 50 South Shore Community Revitalization Project, the re-routing of 50 has been discussed since the 70s.

While I don't understand all the dynamics involved, I do understand that change is coming and I'm optimistic that the powers that be are looking out for this community.  It will move forward and Tahoe will be even more wonderful... is that even possible?

It's hard to believe we have lived here one whole year!  To celebrate we drove around the Lake, on a spectacular winter's day, and ended dining, lakeside with wine, Scrabble and scrumptious food.  A perfect way to commemorate.

When I read "West Shore Scrabble invites all walking lexicons to test their wordsmith prowess – either for a single Sunday or for the entire winter" I knew we had to visit this spectacular, and fun, restaurant on the Lake.

As we played and dined, the colors changed and our view became more magical, as words were written.  A truly memorable way to celebrate.

This license plate captures how we feel, each and everyday here!

The first time I met Martin was in May, when he shared with the Lake Tahoe Historical Society his glove making skills and interesting life history.  Today, Martin shared the history of skiing in Lake Tahoe because he was there, almost from the beginning.

Martin's story of coming to America (born in 1920 in Hungary) is far too long to write here but when he arrived in Tahoe for the first time, in 1958, he won skiing awards and endeared himself to the owner of Heavenly Mountain Resort.  He was hired to help clear trees for the West Bowl run and blast large rocks off of the Face run.

Then in 1959, Martin was hired to help design and build the courses for the cross country races for the Olympics at Squaw Valley. A few years later he became a full time ski patroller at Heavenly Valley and the rest is history!

A fundraising evening of films for a fantastic cause... what more could you want from a Friday night? Since 1993, the Sierra Nevada Alliance has been protecting and restoring Sierra lands, water, wildlife and communities. Their mission is to protect and restore the natural resources of the Sierra Nevada for future generations while promoting sustainable communities.

Of the numerous films we saw, we were educated, angered, informed, concerned and, for the most part, inspired.

Unicorn Sashimi was a treat for the senses and entertained the most.

What has four legs, five arms and three heads? The Gimp Monkeys- the first all-disabled ascent of Yosemite’s iconic El Capitan was a documentary of an extraordinary trio of inspiring men.  Wow.

For the last eight years, the Wild & Scenic® Film Festival has drawn top filmmakers, leading activists, social innovators and well-known world adventurers to South Lake Tahoe.  This year's theme, “A Climate of Change”, is one that made all of us, in the theater, hopeful.  Sometimes change can be a very good thing.