And A Fine One It Was

I am hoping that each of you had a Christmas like ours, joyous, happy and filled with love and peace.  We had the Christmas we could have/should have had last year.  As you may recall, last year was a wash-out.  Christmas was called on account of DH’s Big C surgery.  When the “all clear” was issued somewhere in January, Christmas was just a momentary realization that it had never occurred.

 

At the same time, our sweet granddaughter was in the hospital after two surgeries and also missed that one day a year that stands for hope and family gathering.  Add to that the lightening-strike fire later in the year that could have greatly changed our lives and we had a reason for calling the whole year a loss.

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We were determined to have a Christmas that would cast a shadow over all others—and so we did.  It was a beautiful day that found us sharing a hearty brunch, opening gifts, laughing together, hugging and welcoming friends and extended family into the celebration all during the day.  It was our version of Cheers and I kept expecting to hear, “Norm!”  

Was it perfect?  Not by a long shot!  An extended family member who was badly burned in a RV fire last month gave up the fight and left us the weekend before.  What does that prove—that life is a gamble?  Does it say, “nothing is ever perfect?”  Or does it tell us that we should just stop trying?  I say none of the above.  We discussed this and as a family we choose to believe and to cultivate the proposition that through it all—whatever happens…

LOVE GOES ON.

  

May the love and joy of Christmas be yours throughout the New Year!

 

                                   G-granddaughter Harlowe Carolyn ready for Christmas

                                     G-grandson Bryce with Santa (no lap sitting for Bryce)

Life is good!

Do You See What I See?

Colby the cat is enjoying what he believes to be HIS tree.  He lives in it every Christmas—on the velvet skirt, two branches up under the purple ornament, and if given a chance right up there with the angel.  He has toppled the tree once and shaken it many times.  It wouldn’t be Christmas without Colby’s antics!  Colby belongs to fireman son and his sweet wife.

When I look at the Christmas tree I see lights and old family ornaments and the forever angel that has been around since the kids were young.  I never really see just one thing, but when I started experimenting with the new camera I found a lot of things I don’t seem to focus on every day like this package decoration from my NM days.  I stuck it on the tree back in 1997 and it has been on the tree every year since then.  I love happy coincidences!

Under the heading “do you see what I see” comes a priceless photo that I will drag out frequently to remind myself not to rush, race, and rage through holidays as I have lately.  I came home from shopping for Christmas brunch makings and a little gift shopping and was suddenly so tired I sat in the recliner and threw a blanket over myself.  I grabbed my knitting for a few minutes rest and that is the last thing I remember—until I opened my eyes to this….

Two little faces saying, “Mommy are you in there?  Isn’t it about time for our din-din?”

I’ve been away from blogging for a bit and I am missing the chatter we have established over the years.  I committed to posting at least once a week, but life keeps getting in the way.  I wonder if it would be fair to make the same commitment again for 2015?   I really enjoy the blogs you all share with me and want to be able to share with you more often during the coming year.  I will try. Again.

The birdies are visiting for food during the cold weather.  I especially love the Chickadees. Macy and Max are being their little angelic selves because it is a special time of the year.  They know there are toys and goodies in their stockings.

Macy has tried to get hers down from the mantle and being a Jack Russell Terrier she can jump that high.  Good luck stockings, you are on your own.  I’ll be knitting.

Life is good.