Christmas Eve, December 24, 2022

It is the Christmas weekend! Luckily though I seem to be the designated errand runner I am not cooking or hosting dinner. I took care of my "assignment" yesterday making my mothers Almond ball cookies (other people make them out of walnuts or pecans - they sometimes are also called snowballs). I have also finished wrapping.

So we get to hang out for a while today and enjoy the sprinkling of snow outside. The end of the major windstorm included snow flurries which are staying on the ground as it is only 15 degrees here - BRRRR! But it is pretty and doesn't affect driving so it is nice to have the atmosphere. Justice is definitely not impressed.

Late this afternoon we are going to DS's Birthmother's home. Her whole family will be there which we enjoy. I haven't seen one of her DDs/BIL since before COVID and am looking forward to seeing them as we get along well. One of their daughters has been very close to my DS since they met in their mid-teens.

Time to go sit by the fireplace. Have a chromatic Christmas Eve!

All is calm this morning as I snuggle in bed drinking tea, and wait to hear if DS is on the road towards our house. It will be a just small gathering at our house tonight, and then my brother and his family at my parents house tomorrow. Facebook memories show me pictures of past celebrations, and I feel nostalgia, but seasons in life come and go, and we move with them.

Merry Christmas everyone, may peace be in your hearts!

Yes, lots of nostalgia (see TT).

Well I guess my small gathering just got bigger, nephew and his wife just asked if they could stop by , of course! then later, a text from niece saying she and her husband can come to dinner after all, then DHs best friend and wife said they would be able to stop for dessert, and their adult daughter who is definitely like our niece and one of DD's bffs asked if she could actually come for dinner, of course! Luckily I planned a menu with an eye towards left overs, and there is plenty of wine, cookies and cake. I'm excited, if we are going to entertain, it might as well be bigger, the only change now is to get out more plates etc.

Love this!

Greetings all

Not a creature was stirring... well not true - we have three dogs and two of them "stir" a lot. Old Chip is still hanging in there.

I thought I was doing sales at the studio today but when I showed up, others were signed up. Oh well. No need to hang around. So the football game will be watched earlier. Just as well, my buddy is sort of a motor mouth and can wear you out. Good thing i have the meat loaf to offer.

DD good on you for happily hostessing! Don't be shy about asking the drop ins to help out. Yay for extra food.

I did what little wrapping I have yesterday. Good thing. Took gallery money to the bank today and glazed a bit while at the studio. It's surprisingly warm here even though the sun is hiding.

Yep Liz, get the good seat by the fire. You have earned it.

Joy to all. Diane S

Such a beautiful and warm day today! We got going early after breakfast and headed to my rental where my folks helped me clean. It would have taken me 5 or so hours to do what we did in 2. So all is done there and ready to turn back over. They really liked the rental too. It was cute. Just a little dated in the kitchen.

I forgot to defrost the hamburger last night for dinner, so we had impromptu tomato soup and grilled cheese. Such a delicious combo. And then we had Graeters peppermint stic**** cream from Cincinnati. Oh my gosh, chunks of peppermint sticks in it. Heaven. Shrimp tacos tonight.

We've walked the neighborhood each day (one mile around) and the hills are a lot for my dad. It'll be good for him (and all of us) to do it every day.

I think that's it for today. Hope you all are happy and well!

Sounds like a good day all around!

Good Morning All x

Quickly popping in before all our kids arrive. Everything is done. I just have the last wreath to put together. Table is set. There will be too much good as always. Im excited to be watching them open their presents and all the wonderful noise that comes with that.

May your days be filled with love & laughter as you make more beautiful memories. From our house in Sunny Australia to yours

Merry Christmas xxxx

Merry, merry Christmas!!!