LIGHTS AT THE ZOO

This past Tuesday we went to the Lights At The Zoo.  It was a perfect night.  The temperatures were in the 30's and no snow, ice or wind.  You could feel the cold air on your face, wear gloves but also have an open coat.  The zoo does a spectacular job with their lights.  It was our only Christmas event.  We have had many holiday parties but that is all.  It was a delight to go.

CHRISTMAS PLAY

This past Thursday night we were in the elementary school auditorium for our granddaughter's school Christmas play.  To be honest, I have no idea what the play was about.  I do know that it had something to do with a Christmas tree without lights and a bunch of bugs.  Miss E was a hornet resplendent with yellow duct tape stripes and really cool wings.  Unfortunately I was unable to capture some of the more expressive facial expressions but believe me, she was terrific and wonderful to watch.  This music teacher did an amazing job and the songs were great.  So we drove 2 1/2 hours for a 2 hour visit, a 1/2 hour play and then 2 1/2 hours back.  But, it was worth it. 

The evening is bittersweet when you think of the tragedy that happened on Friday.  All those beautiful children gone.  I just love my grandchildren so much, it is heartbreaking to think of what happened in Connecticut.  May God be with those parents and relatives of the the children and teachers.

12-12-12

This is actually one day after 12-12-12.  Nothing amazing happened yesterday.  The weather was wonderful.  I finished all but one of my Christmas cards.  One of JR's gifts arrived by UPS and it was not boxed separately.  I knew that if he saw the box, he would know the gift so I quickly wrapped it yesterday.  I played bridge yesterday afternoon and I had not played in several weeks so it was nice to get back to it.  I made the mistake of checking my work schedule for the upcoming tax season.  It was pre-populated by corporate.  The schedule had me working January 1!  We are not even open that day.  What a joke.  I must admit that while looking at the schedule, I suddenly was dreading going back to work.  I love my easy going life and hate to have to become regimented.  I have to clean the house, wrap gifts and make the occasional Christmas cookie.  I have most gifts bought but not all.  That is all for today.  I should have something to post tomorrow though.

TIME FLIES

Once again I am amazed at how time flies.  It is the 9th of December and we have not decorated the tree.  We had already decided to only put up one tree this year.  We are off to a late start due to not returning from Florida until the 30th.  Then both JR and I got horrible colds with even worse coughs.  That put us another week behind.  So the tree is up and the box of decorations is down and now we just have to decorate and then enjoy!  JR made his famous spiced pecans today so I guess the season is in full swing.  I am trying to find time to have friends over for light suppers but I am running out of time!!!!  My shopping is not in bad shape and the Christmas letter is written.  We have received a few Christmas cards and after reading one, I am counting myself blessed.  A friend that I have known since grade school wrote that she had kidney failure twice this year and a near death gall bladder attack as well as both children moving back home!!  So while I was feeling miserable, I realized that is nothing at all.  Well must go and decorate!

DISNEY

Once again, I am amazed by how much time has passed by without a posting.  In my defense, we left November 16th to travel to Orlando and Disney World.  We took the family and had a great time.  Most days the weather was in the high 60's/low 70's for at least about 5 hours.  One day was very chilly and everyone was freezing.  I found walking Disney parks for 10 hours exhausting and therefore did not.  I lasted about 6/7 hours and then started taking long breaks.  The crowds were annoying, the stroller pushers obnoxious and the electric scooters dangerous.  We went to the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Universal and MGM/Hollywood.  We saved Animal Kingdom for another time.  We were there over Thanksgiving and had dinner in the condo with a small turkey breast, dressing, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, green beans and biscuits.  The JW Marriott partners with The Children's Miracle Network and sells pumpkin pies for $15 and all proceeds go to the charity.  The pie was delivered Wednesday night and since we were not there was put in the refrigerator.  It really was terrific to be able to spend that much time with the people I love the most.  We stayed an extra 4 days and had to move from one time share to another.  The move was across the street.  I asked if there was any way to get into the unit by noon so that we could all watch the OSU/Michigan game.  The Marriott Vacation Club was really terrific about getting us in.  The kids left after that wonderful game and drove about 6 hours that day with about 10 hours the next.  We left this past Wednesday and arrived Thursday around 5pm. 

Each of the past 3 Christmas' I have done a 25 day of something.  The first year the bears, then 25 days of Advent and last year a stroll down my Christmas memory lane.  Unfortunately I am now out of ideas and will not do anything this year.  However Happy Advent.