Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all who celebrate

‘Twas Christmas broach’d the mightiest ale;
‘Twas Christmas told the merriest tale;
A Christmas gambol oft could cheer
The poor man’s heart through half the year.
–Walter Scott

∴

“Reflect upon your present blessings — of which every man has many — not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.”

― Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol and Other Christmas Writings

My three kids are with us and I feel very lucky to have them here to celebrate our first Christmas in our new house. We also have their two dogs–along with my three cats so it’s a happy house.

I made cards this year and had lots of fun making them though I got a late start. I didn’t get my  cards sent out until this week, but I did get them sent out with a short note so that made me happy!

I haven’t posted much in December. It has been a very busy month plus I’ve had various computer problems most of the month. My son is here for Christmas and has solved the last of the computer problems…at least for now.

I plan to get back on schedule after Christmas. For now I hope you all have a wonderful day!

How are you spending your day?

Save

Thanksgiving reflections

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving here in Iowa. It was the 50th annual celebration! All these years my father-in-law and mother-in-law hosted it. (Unfortunately, she died before she got to see the 50th, but she was certainly present in spirit.) It is her side of the family who have come all these years to celebrate and give thanks for wonderful family. This year nearly 100 people were there on Thanksgiving Day. Of course, there are always some members who aren’t able to come each year so we could have had even more people!

50th Annual Thanksgiving Celebration

Walking the Balance Beam

The Ladder Steps

The Back-to-Back Race

The Target Throw

Checking the results

Lots of us talked and ate outside

The cold food station

The garage set-up

The aunnual cemetery walk

The annual cemetery dog run

Strolling through the cemetery

They keep coming

Stragglers

Traveling in style

The under 50 year group

As one family member posted on Facebook: “How do you fit/feed 97 relatives in a two bedroom/one bath house?? You move the party outside, of course!” Even though it was only about 40 degrees many people were outside for the day. There was a heater and tables in the garage, two brand new port-a-potties in the driveway plus some of the food stations outside! We roasted four turkeys and two hams! Plus we had lots of sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, stuffing, salads, vegetables, rolls and, of course, many desserts. No one went hungry!

What about all of you? How was your Thanksgiving if you celebrate that? What are your plans for this week?

Save

Save

Save

Birthday weekend

We celebrated our younger daughter’s birthday a couple of weekends ago. Her sister came from Illinois for the weekend and we all had a wonderful time together.

On Friday night we had a fire in our fire pit in the backyard and roasted marshmallows. So much fun. Our clothes smelled smoky when we came in and it just seemed so much like Autumn–even though it was warm (in the 60’s at 9 p.m.).

We went to a local winery Saturday afternoon and shared a bottle of wine as well as a cheese and cracker plate. We sat outside and watched as an outdoor wedding was set up outside. The wedding party looked happy!

For her birthday dinner we had Salmon with Maple, Mustard and Dill, roasted vegetables (new potatoes and tiny peppers) and a Flourless Chocolate Birthday Cake with just a few candles!

My older daughter did most of the cooking and it all was wonderful!

Save

Save

Save