Simple and a Little Blue

The truth is, I don't have a lot of energy this year for Christmas.

I'm happy for Katie that she is able to be with Avi again in Israel, but we miss her sparkle and energy. And as Dad's health continues to decline, we never seem to know what each new day will bring for him. It's hard to watch him change, knowing that this is his new reality, and that life does eventually end. It's hard.

Things are going to be much simpler this Christmas. We have the tree up, and we turn the lights on early in the morning until late at night. But the ornaments haven't made their way up from the basement, and that seems to be okay. I was looking through one on my china hutches, and found a gold heart that pleaded with me to be placed at the top of the tree, The simplicity of it fit.

I'm still figuring out the food situation. I think comfort food will be the theme, with a beef chuck roast in the crockpot, and special mashed potatoes and gravy. I had no ideas for dessert, but Debbie just reminded me of ice cream pie, so ice cream pie it will be!

What I really want for Christmas and the New Year is peace. I don't know if that will be, but I will pray for that, and as always, work on counting my gratitudes. Counting your gratitudes does make a difference, and as Bruce said this morning, at least we have each other.

Now, on to wrap some presents ...

Wordless Wednesday

Thanksgiving 2016

Another Thanksgiving come and gone.

We roasted a twenty pound turkey with all the traditional sides ... special mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, green bean casserole, corn, candied yams, cranberries, and a pan of sweet corn bread. We also sampled some sparkling pumpkin cider, and it was surprisingly good!

Katie baked two apple pies, Grandma Joyce's recipe, of course.

We invited Patty and Richard over again this year, and Richard brought a pumpkin pie he'd made from pumpkins that were grown in his own yard.

Mark and Mom brought Dad a slice of pumpkin pie later on. He said that Mom's pumpkin pie was spicier. Then the next day, we brought him a slice of Katie's apple pie, which tasted much like it did when Mom made it. It was sad that he wasn't able to be with us at the dinner, but I guess I need to accept the changes that life keeps bringing us.

The day after Thanksgiving was not a day of shopping. Instead, I had a mammogram, and stopped by for a workout at Curves since it was close by. The familiar routine felt good.

Today we had homemade turkey soup with crusty bread dipped in the bowl. And of course, more apple pie.

Jake helped me drag the tree up from the basement and we put it up in front of the living room window. Minnie Mouse has already claimed it as her tree, and has been giving Punk and Tristin the evil eye even when they just start to casually stroll by. We'll see if we hang the ornaments up soon or wait until closer to Christmas. It could be a long month if I have to constantly chase them away!

Anyway, I am thankful for all that we have. It's been a challenging year, but there are so many others in the world who are hurting more, and have way less than we do. It's something worth thinking about.

Winter

Just like that, winter has arrived.

Time for warm coats, warm gloves, warm socks. Time for soups and stews in the crockpot. Time to take time when driving on icy roads.

I find myself not wanting to be out in the cold evenings. It starts to get dark after four in the afternoon! I start to wonder if I'm getting old, which is kind of a weird thought for me as I usually feel the same as I did when I was eighteen years old ...

I mentioned this to someone at Curves the other day as we were leaving. I said, I must be getting old, I don't like to go out in the cold and dark anymore.

I heard her quietly say, fight it.

Wow. Lightbulb moment.

I'm not ready to be old.

I guess I need to fight it, and fight it I will.

Spoiled

We're getting a bit spoiled now that Katie is home and cooking for us. It's been especially nice on the nights we take Mom over to see Dad at the Care Center, because by the time we get home in the middle of the evening, I have absolutely no idea of what to make for supper ...

And, she does make interesting food.

Tahini with cucumber. Kale with red onion, garbanzo beans, and garlic. Shakshuka with eggs and toast. Sardines and crackers. English muffins with peanut butter, brown sugar, and Sriracha sauce. She even makes Grandma Joyce's apple pie.

We are spoiled.

Election Day

We've had unbelievable weather this late in the season, and it's been a wonderful opportunity to be outside in the evenings and enjoy the hot tub one last time, or sit around the fire talking with good friends. We also made a trip out to the Arboretum to see Grandma Gloria's bench.

Today was a Mama Katie day, complete with VOTING and a trip to Panera to eat some delicious French Onion soup, Katie's treat. And we're thinking that maybe a glass of wine in the hot tub later on tonight might be a nice way to end our day. With the leaves pretty much down, the stars and moon really stand out. And the crisp air feels extra good in contrast to the steamy water. I love it!

It should be an interesting night as we await the results of the Election. I don't usually get too involved in the debate of it all, although this year has been different and I've been following it more closely. I believe that no matter the result, life will go on and what really matters in our little daily lives, is how we choose to treat our fellow neighbor, hopefully with as much respect and love that we can. Regardless of how it plays out.

And, of course, Katie is home now, so all is well.