fa la la la la I am alive

Is it Christmas time already??
I was looking at this space today and realized that I hadn't posted since Thanksgiving!

Mr turkey lives in my woods, he survived Thanksgiving.

Sorry for the disappearing act my friends. Sometimes time just gets away from me; especially around the holiday season. I hope you know that regardless of my absence from this blog-and yours you all are never far from my thoughts.

Wondering what I've been doing? Yes-No...well I'm gonna give you the highlights.

I've gotten into the routine of getting up in the morning and making breakfast for the little one before school, everyone else is either, not home at school or work...I do have my limits about what time I get up!!. He's in fourth grade and loves french toast. (yes our family from Cyprus is still here)

We decorated the house for Christmas. Can you believe it took me and Bill three days to do the inside and outside of the house. Bins and bins of stuff, all with memories attached each and every piece. My step-daughter watched with wonder as we unpacked it all. Nutty? Probably but after the kids died those things even the small memories became important. I'm pretty pleased with myself (brag alert) that I even made real wreaths for my door and Mom's this year from our blue spruce trees, boxwood and pine cones.

I had my yearly dinner party for my girlfriends last week. I cooked , they came and then we drank wine and enjoyed each others company for a very nice evening. Since it was female only Bill took the grandsons out for dinner and a bit of shopping at Toys R Us.

We shopped for Christmas gifts a few days ago. We approach our shopping like a hungry dog approaches a bowl of food. Bill and I headed out just before lunch and hit the mall(s) and didn't get home until well after dinner time with a trunk full. I have a new appreciation for gift cards, that's what my Mom does in most cases. Anyway, tomorrow after a doctors appointment we'll finish a few odds and ends.

My husbands had fabulous insurance which is a benefit of his retirement and we thought it would be safe from any negative health care changes we've heard about in the news.  I received a notice that my blood pressure medication will no longer be covered as of January 1st. so I'm off to the doctor to explore my options.

I've been on my cpap for my newly diagnosed sleep apnea/hypopnea for a bit less than two weeks. I've read a lot of message boards about how hard it is to sleep with the masks and the machine buzzing and so forth. I'm hear to tell you it's all nonsense. From night one I've slept like I haven't slept in a long time.

We're having Christmas at our house this year. It will be fun with the kids here which as you know means Santa will be coming :) Then Bill, Mom and I are heading up to NY for my cousin Katie's wedding on the 28th out on Long Island. Then if that isn't enough traveling, the second week of January I'm off to do my guardian thing and visit my ward for her yearly care plan meeting. I'm looking forward to my meeting with the teachers from her day program, her group home coordinators and  her social worker so we can set her goals for this coming year. Then afterward her and I get to hang out, go shopping, share some meals and visit with her Mother in the nursing.

That's about it for now, folks.

One more thing! Have a  wonderful Christmas & Hanukkah.
May your holiday be filled with love, peace and joy.

throwing a log on the tv while the music plays

I had my little yearly dinner party for my girlfriends last Friday night. It seems to be getting bigger and bigger each year, we're up to about a dozen girls this year, but hey the more the merrier! And I think I'm blessed to have such a great group of friends.  We ate, drank wine, ate some more and I even threw a log on the TV!! Seriously my husband got one of those fireplace DVD's for the TV since we have don't have a fireplace (we have a wood-stove). Anyway it really a gathering we all look forward to each and every year.

Non of us are immune to the pressures of the holidays so being able to just kick back with friends listen to some music take in the lights glistening on the tree, candles burning and drink in some genuine friendship is something really special. While doing this one of the girls (Claire) mentioned to me that she enjoyed the music selection I had playing on the stereo. I just have this and that on CD probably picked out of the sale bin at Walmart but I had to agree with her music really did and does play a big part in entertaining and what is Christmas without Christmas music?

My very favorite Christmas song is Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas. It's rather a coincidence that one of my favorite Christmas movies is The Family Stone and there's actually a clip of Judy Garland singing the original version of this song years ago in that very movie.

I love love love this version by James Taylor. I grew up listening to him, his voice is so warm it feels like sunshine. And his version of this song; every time I hear him sing it I get all choked up; it's a happy-sad type of choked up. In any case I know there are tons of other great Christmas songs and I'm interested in hearing what you think are the good ones.

What's your favorite Christmas song? 

And do you prefer a particular artist singing it?

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Christmas is supposed to be joyful and holy!

My husband went into town today to do the banking today and to run a few errands and as usual to do his "socializing" with the town folk. He ran into a local clergyman who we've known since our kids were in grade school.  It is hard as men of faith with families not to then enter into a discussion about prayer and the need for more of it with current events being what they are and with Christmas upon us.

When the Rev.B talked about the holidays he expressed his feelings and we agree that this is a time for joy for light amongst the darkness and we celebrate Christs birth in a very few days. And we who grieve can rejoice because we believe in Him.

And it seems to me for those of us who do believe it is getting harder and harder to express our beliefs without ridicule if we choose to express or practice what we believe when we are in public.

For some reason it seems something as simple as the words "Merry Christmas" is cause for offense; this I do not understand.  And this was something the Rev.B told Bill he saw in one of the large department stores in the mall a few days ago.

I was speechless when I heard this story. And the actions of both of these men, unbelievable. All I will say is that I am profoundly disappointed that the Christian man failed to be Christian in his response. I'll just tell you what I was told happened and let you be the judge and you can tell me what you think in your comments.

He (Rev B) was standing on line at the store (not our town) but at the mall when the person in front of him was finished checking out said to the cashier. "Have a Merry Christmas."

The person replied. " I'm insulted that you would even say that to me!"
The customer said. " Your insulted that I wished you a Merry Christmas what's so insulting about me wishing you a Merry Christmas?"
Cashier. " Like I said you should keep it to yourself I'm insulted."
"Really?" Exclaimed the customer who was now agitated.
Quickly adding."Usually I would have to say something much worse to insult someone."
"Like go fuck yourself." Now you can be insulted" he mumbled back turned as he walked out.

Oh my goodness people can't we just be nice?!
What is wrong with you people?

You may wish me a Merry Christmas, or a Happy Hanukkah even a Happy Kwanzaa, or tell me Allah blesses me I am good with it all! Because if you love God and believe in your heart then I will gladly accept you good wishes and your blessing. I cannot understand how someone could be insulted by it.

I believe in Jesus but I respect you if you believe otherwise and I pray you feel the same about my beliefs.

I notice however in stores and in the schools they're doing a lot of the Happy Holiday wishing if anything at all. My view is it's a result of a lot of political correct nonsense that is just getting out of hand.

What say you?

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Coal

Linus, my cat should have a stocking full of it this Christmas!

                                                                   He's been a bad boy!

Don't miss my next blog post. 
Follow me on Google friend connect or 

if you’d like you can subscribe and receive my posts by e-mail.

Both are located on the right side-bar.   

And while you’re at it don’t forget to come visit me at my other blog.

It’s called “I blog it as I see it” 
Just click here.                                                                                                       

 

My angel is back where she belongs...

I've been a busy bee putting up my Christmas decorations and trimming the tree. It takes forever to do the house, if I do a complete decorating job.Somehow I remember doing it in a day years ago not it takes two but that's OK I know I'm not as young as I used to be.  I didn't always have tubs and tubs of Christmas decorations there was a time in the beginning of our marriage when we had one box total. But then there was that little incident with the ex which I'll never forget...

I was a young bride of 22 married five months. Me, Bill and the kids ( his three little ones lived with us) decorated the tree and it looked so nice perched in the corner of our little living room. Saturday morning the ex came to pick up the kids and made a bee line for the tree. I clearly remember her saying to my husband "remember when we got this ornament, I loved this one so much and wasn't this your favorite?" Needless to say they were removed from the tree after that Christmas and we donated them to charity eager to start our own collection of memories.

We purchased two main items that year an angel for the top of the tree and a nativity for under it. Each and every year we added different ornaments that the children made, first Christmas ornaments when Matthew and Eric were born,ornaments that were given to us as gifts, special occasion ornaments all of different sizes and colors. And now 32 years later we have an entire collection of different things many with specific memories attached.

This year we had a problem with the angel, she wouldn't light- the wires burned out. I found myself surprisingly unable to let her go where Bill would have just gotten something new.
Like a member of the family I was used to her presence atop the tree looking down at the kids when they were little playing with their toys and beyond. Now I just couldn't wrap my head  around her not being there to see their kids doing the same thing the prospect was unthinkable to me.

Bill and I discussed it and it was decided we would have to replace her but I secretly hoped to find another similar angel so I could use that ones lights to replace her lights with new ones.  I found a similar style of angel that had the same style lights (yes I did a happy dance!) and was able to use those light in my dear sweet angel.

My girl is back glowing brightly atop my tree hopefully for another 32 or more years!

Freedom of speech of vulgar display?

Ho ho holy moley and I thought I had some questionable neighbors!  Imagine if your next door neighbor put this Christmas display up in your honor ?

photo credit

I couldn't even imagine but apparently the person is claiming it's a First Amendment issue ( freedom of expression/speech)  but it's safe to say there are many who are of the opinion that this is just a vulgar display.

What do you think? First Amendment or Vulgar display.

I hate, hate, hate this but I'm a bit conflicted since I'm not so sure she doesn't have the right to express herself even if I think the way she did it is all kinds of wrong. 

ending the old year and beginning the new

Happy New Year!

The days following Christmas for us have been busy for us here in our house. My cousin Colleen called from Charlotte and made plans to come up with her friend  Jim for a few days to ring in the New Year with us here in Virginia.

 Colleen and Jim

One of my three grandsons, Xavier decided to come stay with us for a few days of his vacation. It was actually his first time alone without his older brothers and he did wonderfully. He hung out with us and played with my cousins dogs Doodle and Stitch. And he really enjoyed playing with his Christmas present that Grandma and Poppa (that's us) got him. It only took me forever to register the darn thing, but it was worth it! Encouraging reading was my plan so it seems to have worked, we spent a bit of cuddle time reading a Percy Jackson book while he was here. Yippee!

Xavier playing with his new Kindle

We were blessed with some beautiful weather here in Virginia that we were able to throw some ribs on the grill one of the days our company was here. I would have much preferred a white Christmas; it's the northerner in me, but I know my cousin would have never come and that would have been a big let down! I continue to hope for some white stuff before winter ends however.

And on another day while they were here, we went out for some chicken wings and a few beers and gave Jim a tour since it was his first time here visiting our home and our neck of the woods. Having company at the house is great but with such beautiful weather we just really needed to get out of the house for a drive and enjoy the sunshine while it lasted.

One night in honor of my beloved Aunt Frances I cooked my almost famous meatballs and spaghetti. Even though my Aunt - Godmother is no longer with us, her children and Colleen is the youngest of the four girls; are so used to me cooking them for her they've come to expect a meatball or two from their cousin Jen when she's has a kitchen within her reach.

Now Bill and I didn't make it to midnight, we were exhausted. Jim and Colleen awoke to texts from their respective sons which was nice. But Bill and I were blissfully cutting logs by then, dreaming of what the new year might bring.

As far as the New Year goes; I'm not big on making resolutions, for me its just is a big list of probable failures for the year that will end up making me feel badly about myself. But I would like to make an effort this year to get moving, be more active and to eat more healthfully. And if that resulted in some weight loss that would be GREAT because I could benefit from that. These past five years I have acquired some lazy habits both regarding diet and my activity level all of which I am not blind to or unwilling or unable to change. All of these areas of my life could use some work and for 2012 I plan on focusing on them.

How do you feel about making resolutions in the New Year?

What if any changes are you planning in your life in 2012?

the pain of the holiday's

I had to keep myself from writing some really terribly gloomy posts this Christmas season. I tend to find myself being drawn to the past, getting very reflective as the year draws to a close and that can be both good and bad.

I know all of you would be very supportive but frankly I didn't want to be a Debby Downer for the holiday's. I found it becomes easy to fall into the negative pattern so I thought I'd attempt to keep a  mostly positive attitude on the blog and in my personal life. I'd say it worked....sorta! Except when the migraines come.

How'd you like to spend most every holiday with a migraine? I have just come out of a three day migraine. It is the most horrible feeling; but I'm a trooper so I tend to push through them. And there comes a point when I max out on my meds and I have no other choice!

Gretchen  Christmas 2005

Eric Christmas 2005

When you've been through what I've been through the holiday's are hard enough without physical pain added to the emotional. And I remember their last Christmas and the death of my precious children a few months later and I am SO grateful to God for all the Christmases we had together before they went home to be with You.

my neighbor with the gun- a Christmas story

The day before Christmas the neighbors that live next door came over for a visit. We thought it was the typical Christmas visit but it turned out to be that and more, much more!

They're a nice couple, she works as a produce manager in a local grocery chain store and he's disabled due to an injury and they come and visit fairly frequently since they moved in about a year ago. Their house is a small modest house and from what I've seen their furnishings are simple but the house is clean and neat. They have six cats with the most original names like tool box and velcro, their cats and our cats are buddies and play frequently . And although I would guess them to be somewhere in the forty range, they each have grown kids from previous marriages so they may be older.

Anyway they went on to tell and then show us how some truck had damaged their car (hit and run) in a parking lot just days before and spoke about how anxious they were to get estimates for the cost of the repairs. I was picking up undertones of emotions in the conversation and could tell that something other than the accident was on their minds. So I poured them each a tall glass of tea and we sat back for a visit to see whether my intuition was right.

He seemed a bit shaky and emotional  to me so I guessed whatever the reason for the visit would soon be revealed and it was soon after when he asked my husband to step outside for a minute.

They both came back into the house and tearfully he ask for money, as it turns out they needed money for unpaid bills. His plan was to bring over something to sell my husband, something he thought my husband would want to buy; a gun.( hubby's a collector) The sad thing was this particular gun was dear to him, given to him by someone special, and he was still willing to sell it, he needed money so badly.

My husband and I exchanged glances, that's all you need after thirty plus years of marriage. Bill pulled out his wallet took out the money and offered to give him the money he needed outright, but he refused.The fact of the matter is the mans pride was so heavily involved that we suggested that we'd hold the gun and he pay back the money, no time limit and this he agreed to. He was quite emotional, it was really very sad.

The people right next door were living without electric and here we are in our cozy house, you just never know do you?

I can't wait to give them this gift...

When Bill and I were in Barbados we spent our last evening at a street fair of sorts, there were some VERY talented artisans there.  As we strolled up and down looking through the shacks and the tents we came upon a man was selling art on canvas; just the type of art my son in law and daughter collect. With Christmas coming it was perfect!

They particularly love that Afro-Caribbean- Jazz vibe smokey room- art; it's usually has one or more people, musical instruments and vibrant colors.  Bill and I were both drawn to many of the pieces that the man had in his booth but one in particular spoke to us as perfect for our daughter and her hubby. Luckily for us it was the perfect size to put in our luggage so we made a deal for a price and we had a perfect Christmas gift.... almost!

We then made our way to the framer when we returned. How can I describe picking the perfect frame? The process is in itself an art and here is where the professionals are really helpful. It was a quite difficult process plus there was the fact that we were fending off offers from other patrons to buy the art piece, we could have made a hefty profit! There wasn't a person on line who wasn't oooh-ing and aaah-ing at this painting. Anyhoo, we found the PERFECT frame!

I sure hope Heather and Bo like this gift as much as we do.

My Mom says if this picture was fruit she'd want to eat it!

What do you think? You like?

santa's been reading my blog

Santa decided to come early this year! And luckily for me he's been reading my blog listening to me gripe about how really horrible my digital camera is.

I got a new one woohoo! And it isn't even Christmas yet.

Now my crappy photo's will be clearer and brighter than ever!

I doubt this new camera will ever be switched off auto, that is unless my husband give me some instruction. He's really good with cameras specifically and technical stuff generally.

Instructions books and I, well never the twain shall meet if you know what I mean.

I've never claimed to be a photographer but this dumb camera I have now would try the patience of a saint. I take 6-8 pictures with the flash on I will use up two double A batteries. And the pictures just were always uneven, no matter what light I was in.

I have missed a few important  photographic moments due to battery loss or memory loss - that would be me forgetting to bring a dozen batteries to an event.

But no more.

Now miraculously this old thing....

has now has been transformed into this....

I will try to refrain from getting to photo crazy on this blog!

But I SO excited!

PYHO -a blended families christmas dinner recipe - patience, love with a dash of chaos -

We have yet to decide what we're going to eat for dinner and it's yet to be decided whose going to be here for dinner on Christmas Day for that matter.

We actually don't have a traditional dinner that we eat every year and whose going to be here from year to year fluctuates. We usually just eat what ever we want when we want, things are pretty free and easy around here lately. As long as I can use my Christmas china I'm happy.

Sometimes the menu might be decided by how many people I'm cooking for. With a lot of people we might have turkey or ham, maybe even both. My grandchildren like that meal so if they're here and my daughter and son in law aren't working then that would usually be the menu. We've even had Italian one year, oh my goodness it was a feast! We stuffed our face with several different types of pasta, talk about carb heaven.

My daughter , her husband and my grandsons a Christmas past,
it was the Italian Christmas.

If my husband's ex comes to town and visits our daughter then that usually changes everything. Confusing right? She gave birth to her I raised her so we share that's why if you knew us you'd find us both calling her our daughter. Anyhoo... then we - Bill, Matthew, Mom and I might be munching on prime rib or lobster. Forget the pasta and pass me a bib and a shovel for this meal! My Mom loves lobster, so this is really a favorite meal for her. She won't even touch the beef, not a single bite.

Matthew (red)and his older brother Bill (grey) doing the Christmas dishes, oh yeah!

This year I don't think the ex is coming but I believe with their crazy schedules,(she works days ,he nights so  one parent's home with the kids) they've decided to stay home; maybe. This is one thing I've learned about blended families; everything is always fluid and emotions are usually pretty high around the holidays for the kids, even when they're adults. 

Things between the ex and us are fine and we're great friends. But the kids and her, well it's hard on all of them, her too, but circumstances were what they were. So that left many thing unsaid and undone. And as good a relationship as mine was with them growing up, its just not the same. Our other son Bill and our granddaughter is now living with his mother and trying to get his life in order. His adult life has been one poor choice after another. To be perfectly honest my relationship with him is rather strained because of it. Family relationships can be rather complicated; all our efforts long ago exhausted we'll have to see how things work out with this new situation.

But regardless of the ex and the kids and whose living where or working when we still have to decide what to eat. Seriously, despite all the Christmas bah humbug that seems to rear it's ugly head like, "you didn't raise me" every holiday and causes everyone to be freaks emotional, we really are an OK family who loves each other. 

In the mean time we're living on patience love with a dash of chaos! 

So what's cooking at your house, something yummy I trust? Do tell!

sharing gifts at christmastime- a guest post & cookies

There is no sweeter gift during the holidays then being with family and friends; so when my blog friend Melissa asked me to do a guest post over at blog her blog MaMe Musings I jumped at the chance. She is a great person, a wife and mother of twins Drew and Emily and I know if you visit you'll just love her, her blog and her wonderful sense of humor. 


Writing this post for her and getting a chance to meet new people is such a big treat for me.Today I get to share some what goes on at Christmastime with my family and friends. So please pop over and say hi and show Melissa and I some love.

And speaking of sweeter....the recipe I'm sharing with you today is one of my favorite holiday treats. Not only are they fun to make but they are yummy to eat. A big plus is they keep for as long as a week so those of you who'd like to be baking and are short of time and crazy busy ( sound familiar ) then you might want to try these out. I promise you'll love them!

Christmas Sugar Cookies   

Ingredients

·         3 c. all-purpose flour

·         3/4 tsp. baking powder

·         1/4 tsp salt

·         1 c. unsalted butter, softened

·         1 c.sugar

·         1 egg, beaten

·         1 tbsp. milk

·         Powdered sugar, for rolling 

Directions

Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. Place butter and sugar in large bowl of electric stand mixer and beat until light in color. Add egg and milk and beat to combine. Put mixer on low speed, gradually add flour, and beat until mixture pulls away from the side of the bowl. Divide the dough in half, wrap in waxed paper, and refrigerate for 2 hours.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Sprinkle surface where you will roll out dough with powdered sugar. Remove 1 wrapped pack of dough from refrigerator at a time, sprinkle rolling pin with powdered sugar, and roll out dough to 1/4-inch thick. Move the dough around and check underneath frequently to make sure it is not sticking. If the dough has warmed during rolling you can place it back in the fridge for 10 minutes to chill.

 Cut into desired shape,( I usually do rounds) place at least 1-inch apart on greased baking sheet, parchment, or silicone baking mat, and bake for 7 to 9 minutes or until cookies are just beginning to turn brown around the edges, rotating cookie sheet halfway through baking time. (I even stack two with a little cut out filled with jam and nuts for a little extra something something during the holidays.)

 Let sit on baking sheet for 2 minutes after removal from oven and then move to complete cooling on wire rack. Serve with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or ice as desired. These cookies will store in airtight container for up to 1 week.

 Did you come visit me and read my guest post? Don't forget!


 And enjoy the cookies, they're the best.

santa, remember this story

Our friends invited us to their church Christmas concert the other evening, their church choir was doing a little Christmas concert. They sang a really nice selection of Christmas music accompanied by piano and violin. It is a rather small country church and for a small group their voices were strong and filled with holiday spirit. Many from our community came out to support them.  This event however had a duel purpose the second being it also served as a fund raiser for the local battered women's home called Madeline's House, where my friends daughter serves as outreach coordinater. We were so proud to see her get up in front of us all and speak such compassion about those she helps on a daily basis. It is so great to see our young people fresh out of college all filled with such passion for their work.What a blessing!

Being in the south, there was of course a dinner to follow the festivities! Far be it for all of us to come out on a Saturday night and not get in some proper socializing.

The church also set up a room off the dining area where many of those who belong there donated their nativity sets for display.There were so many unique sets on display, big and small, old and new, hand made and store purchased. We hear so much around this time of year about Santa so as I entered this room and saw the many many different interpretations of our Lords birth it was a solemn reminder of what this season is really about.  So next time you take a glimpse at that manger under your Christmas tree pull out your bible or bring up this post and remember this story.....

The Gospel of Luke 2:1-20

2In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. ²This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. ³All went to their own towns to be registered. ⁴Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. ⁵He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. ⁶While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. ⁷And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.¹⁰But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: ¹¹to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹²This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ ¹³And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,
¹⁴ ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours!’

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.’ ¹⁶So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. ¹⁷When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; ¹⁸and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. ¹⁹But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

coming home sick and a movie

My son Matthew came home on his swing days off of work, he was sick. Some type of virus was going around work and unfortunately he was on of the people to get it. So, I put a chicken in the pot so he can have some soup to eat and hopefully give him some relief.

I suspect his roommate was secretly glad he came home and wasn't vomiting and other things we will not mention in their bathrooms and spread germs all over their townhouse.  My son did say he caught a glimpse of Trey while saying goodbye with bleach and Lysol in hand!  One can never be to clean!

 I'll take my kids home anyway I can get them whenever they want; grandchildren too. For me the holidays are quite difficult, it's hard not to reflect on my losses and not to miss my children. I suspect he knows that and that's why he's here. That and the soup!

It's been two days since he's been here and his stomach is back to normal pretty much. He's finished all his chicken soup and is feeling somewhat better. He ate a normal dinner and we're both enjoying some time together. And even under the weather there's always something to do in our house.

We are huge movie hounds in our family. Since we live in a rural area we tend to buy our movies after they've been released. I am not a big theater goer. That would be due to my restless leg syndrome. I find it really difficult to sit still for long periods of time during the movie; I'm that person, you know, the one whose moving and getting up throughout the movie. The one you want to strangle!

After Gretchen and Eric died  in 2006 Matthew and I got into this habit of watching movies together it was a great relief from the stress and grief. It's something that we still do from time to time when he comes home to visit and I must say we have our favorites. We tend to like the same types of movies but not every single movie; I am never going to warm up to the Fight Club, not in a million years. But there is this quirky little Christmas family (adult) movie we are drawn to every year.

Have you ever seen The Family Stone? This family's holiday has equal parts joy and dread add a lot of comedy, and even some sad bits; such is life, right?  But what draws me to this movie in particular and what I love about the characters and this family is no matter what there is  loyalty and love, lots of love. 

If you get some time you should try to see it. We just spent last evening watching it....again! My daughter is gonna be mad at us that she wasn't here with us but she's home at her house with the kids, and they wouldn't appreciate the germs, we'll just do it again on Christmas with her!

Do you have a favorite movie that you'd like to share, we'd love to give it a look see. Who know's maybe it will become part of our yearly ritual like this movie.

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trying to get back in the grove of blogging

Hi everyone!

I'm back from vacation; actually I've been back for almost a week. When I left for New York and then Barbados my husband and I agreed that I would leave my computer and there would be no blogging. Vacation would be for relaxing and alone time, not for me writing and socializing with my blog friends. I have to be honest as much as I needed a vacation and time alone with hubby,  I kinda worried about how being away from my blog would feel. How was I going to survive without my laptop without the interaction. I think I was really heading towards a bit of an addiction problem. It was time to step away from the computer!

Getting back to this blog has been a lot harder than I though it would be and I am really surprised. Maybe it's just that things have been busy here. Driving back from NY is tiring, then there's the unpacking, grocery shopping, social obligations- I had a Christmas dinner party this Friday night for my  girl-friends. (you'll be able to read about it soon in a guest post I'm doing for Melissa over at MaMe Musings)

We headed up to NY for Thanksgiving and had a very nice time there with my family, my brother and my sister in law do such a wonderful Thanksgiving. The night after some of our cousins and my Aunts Gen and Marie and Uncle Doug came over for a little get together since we hardly ever get to see them no that we live out of NY.

My camera was acting really crazy for some reason and I didn't get many pictures; Santa needs to bring me a new one especially since I put pictures on my blog on a regular basis. But here are a few pictures of us hanging around my cousin Mickey at the kitchen table. (This picture is some cousins a few friends who are like cousins, my Mom and my aunt Marie towards the back.) He's been doing a genealogical search on our grandfather who died when I was about seven. Frankly we didn't know very much about him other than he was from PEI Canada and French. My cousin has now traced the family back to the 1600's. We were all really fascinated by what he found, I just wonder WHO we'll find when we take this further!

Aunt Gen & Uncle Doug

My Uncle Doug and my Aunt Marie who was sitting on the other side of the table are preparing to celebrate their 5oth wedding anniversary next year, isn't that great? Marie is my fathers (he passed almost 20 years ago) and my Aunt Gen's youngest sister. I was informed by my cousin Barbara that there's a party in the works. The two options for the happy couple are a small intimate party and a large one, part of me hopes the kids choose to have a large celebration so that we can travel up and share in their special day. Scratch that; as much as I'd love to spend the day with them since I was only three when they had their first wedding and didn't get to go, I hope the kids give them a perfect day- whatever they want.

After a late night hanging with the family Bill and I got up at the crack of dawn and headed to Barbados. My brother Gerard it should be said was a real sport and drove us up at JFK at the crack of dawn!

What to hear about my Barbados vacation? Check back in a day or two,OK!

I missed reading all your blogs while I was gone. I promise to try to catch up. Let me know if I missed anything important or earth shattering. Glad to be back!