Woke up around 5:30, following a strange dream that Hubbie and I had bought a castle (I think a program we watched last night about castles prompted this dream). I kept getting lost in the castle, and ending up in various rooms...the billiard room, the servant's quarters, etc.
At one point, I noticed a beautiful winter scene through a window...a creek meandered through a forest, and I wanted to go out and snap pictures of it. But when I finally found my camera bag, I realized that someone had stolen the camera. I wanted to tell Hubbie about this, but I simply couldn't find him, so I continued to wander though the castle, becoming more anxious all the time. I was very glad to awaken in my own bed! But it took a while to fall asleep again.
We were up at 7:30, and I did stair stepping, resistance bands, and weights exercises after breakfast. Around 9:30, Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house, and she went straight to her jigsaw puzzle. I didn't help her with it today, since I had other things I needed to tend to.
At lunch, we each had something different...Ramen noodle soup for Mother, roast beef sandwich for Hubbie, and an egg salad sandwich for me.
Afterward, Mother returned to her puzzle, while Hubbie and I ran errands. We went first to the greeting card shop, where I bought New Years cards for a few of my friends that I didn't have time to send Christmas cards to. I also bought a couple of birthday cards.
From there, Hubbie dropped me off at a department store, while he went to a grocery store to pick up a couple more 99-cent pineapples. At the department store, I bought six pairs of undies for Mother, who requested them. She suggested I buy them at the WDCS, so she could use the gift card I gave her, but that store seems to specialize mainly in cotton ones, and Mother prefers the silky ones.
I found what she wanted, bought six pairs (three pairs for $15.99...a sale price), and used a $10 off $25 purchase to get them. The six pairs still cost around $17, so Mother will return the WDCS gift card, and pay the remaining $7. I remember when those six pairs would not have cost more than $7!
Hubbie returned to pick me up, and we went to the library. Got four selections, some of which are in series form. There's enough to entertain us through the chilly weather of the New Years holiday, since there is nothing but re-runs on TV right now.
Next, we went to the WDCS for personal items and few groceries. Made one more stop, and then headed home.
At home, Mother helped put together a potato dish for the oven that calls for diced potatoes, sliced onions, olive oil, and various spices.
Put the dish in the oven around 4:30, and a few minutes later, I cooked turkey burgers to go with the potatoes. It was a tasty Saturday fun meal.
Not long afterward, Hubbie accompanied Mother to her house, and then he and I watched TV, including an R-rated thriller called, "The Long Kiss Goodnight," starring Gena Davis. Plenty of language and violence, and improbable stunts.
Following that, we watched our favorite college basketball team, as they played to a wide-margin win.
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Friday, Dec. 27
Up around 7:30, and did stair stepping, resistance bands, and weights exercises after breakfast. Daughter got up while I was doing this. While I got ready for the day, Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house.
Daughter had planned to head home right after lunch, because she thought she had business to attend to, but then she realized she didn't have to do it until Monday, so she stayed the day.
Daughter worked on the jigsaw puzzle with Mother, while I did some chores around the house, including washing several loads of laundry.
After lunch, I joined the two of them in working on jigsaw puzzles. Finished the one we began yesterday, and started a new one. These are two that I gave Mother for Christmas. The one we started today is also Christmas themed.
For supper, I fixed breakfast for supper...biscuits and gravy, with a side of scrambled egg substitute. It was a satisfying, if not particularly healthy meal. Afterward, Daughter headed home, about two hours away. I'm always edgy about her traveling alone at night, but she seems unconcerned, since she works nights and is accustomed to driving after dark.
After she left, Hubbie, Mother, and I, played Skipbo for the evening. We each won a game, and by 9 p.m., Mother was ready to go home. Hubbie accompanied her.
Not long afterward, we were ready to head to bed.
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Note: since our van was supposed to be ready today, Hubbie called the shop. He learned that the vehicle is not ready yet, because the necessary parts for it haven't come in yet. Phooey.
Daughter had planned to head home right after lunch, because she thought she had business to attend to, but then she realized she didn't have to do it until Monday, so she stayed the day.
Daughter worked on the jigsaw puzzle with Mother, while I did some chores around the house, including washing several loads of laundry.
After lunch, I joined the two of them in working on jigsaw puzzles. Finished the one we began yesterday, and started a new one. These are two that I gave Mother for Christmas. The one we started today is also Christmas themed.
For supper, I fixed breakfast for supper...biscuits and gravy, with a side of scrambled egg substitute. It was a satisfying, if not particularly healthy meal. Afterward, Daughter headed home, about two hours away. I'm always edgy about her traveling alone at night, but she seems unconcerned, since she works nights and is accustomed to driving after dark.
After she left, Hubbie, Mother, and I, played Skipbo for the evening. We each won a game, and by 9 p.m., Mother was ready to go home. Hubbie accompanied her.
Not long afterward, we were ready to head to bed.
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Note: since our van was supposed to be ready today, Hubbie called the shop. He learned that the vehicle is not ready yet, because the necessary parts for it haven't come in yet. Phooey.
Thursday, Dec. 26
We were up around 7:30, and I did stair stepping, resistance bands, and weights exercises after breakfast. Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house around 9:30, and she chopped up deviled eggs from Christmas dinner to make egg salad for today's lunch.
Once I was ready for the day, I helped Mother work on a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle that Daughter gave her for Christmas. Daughter slept until nearly noon, and then she joined us in working the puzzle. It soon became apparent that the puzzle was too difficult for Mother, so we broke it down and began another one. Daughter decided to take the puzzle to Granddaughter. There appears to be no jigsaw puzzle too difficult for her.
The second puzzle, a 500-piece Christmas-themed one, was challenging, too, but not as difficult as the other one. We spent the day on it, breaking only for lunch. While we did this, Hubbie spent his day reading a new John Grisham novel on his e-reader. It must be a good one, because he had trouble putting it down.
I was hoping that Daughter and I could make wine jelly this afternoon, but the canning jars were in the dishwasher, which Hubbie started running right after lunch. It would be an hour or so before it stopped, so I abandoned the idea until after supper.
Supper was leftover roast beef and trimmings. Daughter really enjoyed the meal. Afterward, once the kitchen was cleaned, I gathered ingredients and supplies, and we made the jelly. I measured the ingredients, and then Daughter finished the process. I helped put lids and rings on the jars she filled, and then I put them in the water bath. All the jars sealed except one, which I gave to Daughter to take home to Granddaughter.
This was Daughter's first time to make jelly, and she had a really good time doing it. I gave her the recipe, along with specific instructions about the supplies and ingredients she would need. Granddaughter has canned pickles and such, so she won't have a problem making jelly. Daughter is looking forward to doing this with her.
When the jelly was done, we returned to the puzzle. Mother worked on it while we were in the kitchen. She usually likes to participate in jelly making, but not when I make wine jelly. She doesn't like the smell of it.
Later, Hubbie accompanied Mother to her house, and then he, Daughter, and I, finished the evening watching TV.
Once I was ready for the day, I helped Mother work on a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle that Daughter gave her for Christmas. Daughter slept until nearly noon, and then she joined us in working the puzzle. It soon became apparent that the puzzle was too difficult for Mother, so we broke it down and began another one. Daughter decided to take the puzzle to Granddaughter. There appears to be no jigsaw puzzle too difficult for her.
The second puzzle, a 500-piece Christmas-themed one, was challenging, too, but not as difficult as the other one. We spent the day on it, breaking only for lunch. While we did this, Hubbie spent his day reading a new John Grisham novel on his e-reader. It must be a good one, because he had trouble putting it down.
I was hoping that Daughter and I could make wine jelly this afternoon, but the canning jars were in the dishwasher, which Hubbie started running right after lunch. It would be an hour or so before it stopped, so I abandoned the idea until after supper.
Supper was leftover roast beef and trimmings. Daughter really enjoyed the meal. Afterward, once the kitchen was cleaned, I gathered ingredients and supplies, and we made the jelly. I measured the ingredients, and then Daughter finished the process. I helped put lids and rings on the jars she filled, and then I put them in the water bath. All the jars sealed except one, which I gave to Daughter to take home to Granddaughter.
This was Daughter's first time to make jelly, and she had a really good time doing it. I gave her the recipe, along with specific instructions about the supplies and ingredients she would need. Granddaughter has canned pickles and such, so she won't have a problem making jelly. Daughter is looking forward to doing this with her.
When the jelly was done, we returned to the puzzle. Mother worked on it while we were in the kitchen. She usually likes to participate in jelly making, but not when I make wine jelly. She doesn't like the smell of it.
Later, Hubbie accompanied Mother to her house, and then he, Daughter, and I, finished the evening watching TV.
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Wednesday, Dec. 25
Merry Christmas!
We were up around 7:30. I skipped my exercises this morning after breakfast, of course. Went ahead and got dressed and ready to start lunch preparations.
Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house around 9 a.m., and she prepared veggies to add to a beef roast. I seasoned and browned the roast and put it in the slow cooker. Surrounded it with carrots and onions, and added beef and chicken broths.
While the roast cooked, Mother and I watched "The Nutcracker," with Mikhail Baryshnikov and "Scrooge," starring Alastair Sim. Hubbie found other things to do, of course.
Toward noon, I got phone calls from both of my sons. I enjoyed talking with both of them, as well as a couple of my grandchildren whom I haven't seen in a long time. The young people are very busy with their own lives, so I understand why it's difficult for them to find time to visit very often.
Afterward, I finished lunch preparations...boiling potatoes (that Hubbie had peeled) and mashing them, and making gravy. The roast was very tender and good, served with the potatoes and gravy, asparagus, deviled eggs, and fruit salad, as well as homemade bread that Sis provided.
After dinner, Mother went to a new 1,000 piece Christmas themed jigsaw puzzle that Daughter gave her, Hubbie began reading his new John Grisham novel, and I caught up on writing blogs. After a while, I joined Mother at the jigsaw puzzle. She was having trouble putting the border together, so I helped her do that. We worked a while longer on it, but didn't get very far with it.
Had a late supper of sandwiches and chips, and a choice of desserts, then started watching TV. Around 7 p.m., Daughter arrived. When she hadn't shown up for lunch, I thought she had changed her mind about coming up. But she was just delayed, because she was visiting her daughters and enjoying lunch with them, and playing with her grandchildren and their new outdoor toys.
She will visit with us for a couple of days, which will be fun. I don't have anything special planned, but we'll find stuff to do, I'm sure...like working on that huge jigsaw puzzle.
Spent the evening watching TV, of course. Tonight's fare was the two-part "Bonnie and Clyde" mini-series. It was a strange movie to watch on Christmas, but it was the only thing recorded in our DVR, and there was nothing else on TV that we hadn't already seen.
Around 9:30, Mother finally decided to go home. She had spent the evening nodding off to sleep, anyway..
We were up around 7:30. I skipped my exercises this morning after breakfast, of course. Went ahead and got dressed and ready to start lunch preparations.
Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house around 9 a.m., and she prepared veggies to add to a beef roast. I seasoned and browned the roast and put it in the slow cooker. Surrounded it with carrots and onions, and added beef and chicken broths.
While the roast cooked, Mother and I watched "The Nutcracker," with Mikhail Baryshnikov and "Scrooge," starring Alastair Sim. Hubbie found other things to do, of course.
Toward noon, I got phone calls from both of my sons. I enjoyed talking with both of them, as well as a couple of my grandchildren whom I haven't seen in a long time. The young people are very busy with their own lives, so I understand why it's difficult for them to find time to visit very often.
Afterward, I finished lunch preparations...boiling potatoes (that Hubbie had peeled) and mashing them, and making gravy. The roast was very tender and good, served with the potatoes and gravy, asparagus, deviled eggs, and fruit salad, as well as homemade bread that Sis provided.
After dinner, Mother went to a new 1,000 piece Christmas themed jigsaw puzzle that Daughter gave her, Hubbie began reading his new John Grisham novel, and I caught up on writing blogs. After a while, I joined Mother at the jigsaw puzzle. She was having trouble putting the border together, so I helped her do that. We worked a while longer on it, but didn't get very far with it.
Had a late supper of sandwiches and chips, and a choice of desserts, then started watching TV. Around 7 p.m., Daughter arrived. When she hadn't shown up for lunch, I thought she had changed her mind about coming up. But she was just delayed, because she was visiting her daughters and enjoying lunch with them, and playing with her grandchildren and their new outdoor toys.
She will visit with us for a couple of days, which will be fun. I don't have anything special planned, but we'll find stuff to do, I'm sure...like working on that huge jigsaw puzzle.
Spent the evening watching TV, of course. Tonight's fare was the two-part "Bonnie and Clyde" mini-series. It was a strange movie to watch on Christmas, but it was the only thing recorded in our DVR, and there was nothing else on TV that we hadn't already seen.
Around 9:30, Mother finally decided to go home. She had spent the evening nodding off to sleep, anyway..
Tuesday, Dec. 24
Christmas Eve. As usual, Hubbie was anxious to get to the gift exchange, though I don't know why. Many of the things under the tree were for Mother.
I managed to get an exercise session in after breakfast this morning. Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house while I showered and dressed. When I was back downstairs, I gathered ingredients for making a couple of more Italian cream cheese balls, which Mother put together.
While she did that, I put a pan of eggs on to boil, and then gathered ingredients for making fruit salad. When the cream cheese balls were in the refrigerator, Mother and I put the fruit salad together, and I put that in fridge, too, to chill overnight.
Now we were ready to soak up Christmas movies after lunch, while Hubbie spent most of his time on the computer in the office, or talking on the phone to his relatives.
Mother and I watched a Scrooge ballet, and the animated features, "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas," as well as "Horton Hears a Who," which is on the same DVD.
Later, for supper, we went to a local steak house restaurant. Since we'd had chicken in every form this week, and beef roast was on the menu for Christmas Day, we opted for fish. Mother ordered grilled salmon and baked sweet potato, and Hubbie and I had grilled tilapia, with baked white potatoes, and a side of okra. Both kinds of fish were really very tasty and hit the spot.
It was no small order getting Mother into and out of the little loaner car we're driving right now while our van is in the shop. At the restaurant, as I was lifting Mother out of the car and helping her into her wheelchair, a group of about six young adults walked by. At the restaurant, one young man was holding the door open for us, while another young man held open the inner door. Inside, the young women insisted that we be seated before them. We were very touched by this show of kindness.
Odd: a young family...dad, mom, and little girl about two years old, came to the restaurant clad in pajamas. Well, actually, the dad wore a cotton short sleeve pullover pajama top over jeans, but the mom wore heavy fleece jammies with Ugg boots, and the little girl was in regular PJs. Guess they wanted to be ready for bed as soon as they got home, so Santa could visit early.
Following the meal, we took another trip through the Christmas trail of lights at the riverside park. This time, we located the correct radio station, so we could enjoy the lights synchronized with the music.
Mother really enjoyed this outing, and was in a very cheerful mood when we got back home. Everyone was ready to dive into the gifts, since it's our tradition to open presents on Christmas Eve.
Mother got lots of loot, including six more jigsaw puzzle (she acquired nine altogether this Christmas); five mock turtleneck shirts in her favorite colors; a fleece jacket with a pretty light blue and tan design and little sparkles on it (this was from Hubbie); a photo book featuring snapshots of herself alone and with family; and two door mats for her front porch;
Hubbie got gift cards, as did I, as well as a big bag of homemade peanut brittle (his favorite candy); full length winter underwear; scratch off cards, which netted him $19; a black knit shirt; and five mystery novels for his e-reader, including the newest John Grisham book.
I also got scratch off cards, for which I garnered only $2. Besides several gift cards, Hubbie gave me a new kitchen hand mixer, a box of mixed chocolates, and a couple of large bars of Godiva dark chocolate (my favorite). Kept in the refrigerator, this is enough chocolate to last me a year.
Mother also gave me a gift card to a department store. I'll have a happy time shopping after Christmas!
After the gift exchange we watched TV for a while. Mother opted to stay around until bedtime, and then Hubbie accompanied her to her house. We headed to bed soon after.
I managed to get an exercise session in after breakfast this morning. Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house while I showered and dressed. When I was back downstairs, I gathered ingredients for making a couple of more Italian cream cheese balls, which Mother put together.
While she did that, I put a pan of eggs on to boil, and then gathered ingredients for making fruit salad. When the cream cheese balls were in the refrigerator, Mother and I put the fruit salad together, and I put that in fridge, too, to chill overnight.
Now we were ready to soak up Christmas movies after lunch, while Hubbie spent most of his time on the computer in the office, or talking on the phone to his relatives.
Mother and I watched a Scrooge ballet, and the animated features, "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas," as well as "Horton Hears a Who," which is on the same DVD.
Later, for supper, we went to a local steak house restaurant. Since we'd had chicken in every form this week, and beef roast was on the menu for Christmas Day, we opted for fish. Mother ordered grilled salmon and baked sweet potato, and Hubbie and I had grilled tilapia, with baked white potatoes, and a side of okra. Both kinds of fish were really very tasty and hit the spot.
It was no small order getting Mother into and out of the little loaner car we're driving right now while our van is in the shop. At the restaurant, as I was lifting Mother out of the car and helping her into her wheelchair, a group of about six young adults walked by. At the restaurant, one young man was holding the door open for us, while another young man held open the inner door. Inside, the young women insisted that we be seated before them. We were very touched by this show of kindness.
Odd: a young family...dad, mom, and little girl about two years old, came to the restaurant clad in pajamas. Well, actually, the dad wore a cotton short sleeve pullover pajama top over jeans, but the mom wore heavy fleece jammies with Ugg boots, and the little girl was in regular PJs. Guess they wanted to be ready for bed as soon as they got home, so Santa could visit early.
Following the meal, we took another trip through the Christmas trail of lights at the riverside park. This time, we located the correct radio station, so we could enjoy the lights synchronized with the music.
Mother really enjoyed this outing, and was in a very cheerful mood when we got back home. Everyone was ready to dive into the gifts, since it's our tradition to open presents on Christmas Eve.
Mother got lots of loot, including six more jigsaw puzzle (she acquired nine altogether this Christmas); five mock turtleneck shirts in her favorite colors; a fleece jacket with a pretty light blue and tan design and little sparkles on it (this was from Hubbie); a photo book featuring snapshots of herself alone and with family; and two door mats for her front porch;
Hubbie got gift cards, as did I, as well as a big bag of homemade peanut brittle (his favorite candy); full length winter underwear; scratch off cards, which netted him $19; a black knit shirt; and five mystery novels for his e-reader, including the newest John Grisham book.
I also got scratch off cards, for which I garnered only $2. Besides several gift cards, Hubbie gave me a new kitchen hand mixer, a box of mixed chocolates, and a couple of large bars of Godiva dark chocolate (my favorite). Kept in the refrigerator, this is enough chocolate to last me a year.
Mother also gave me a gift card to a department store. I'll have a happy time shopping after Christmas!
After the gift exchange we watched TV for a while. Mother opted to stay around until bedtime, and then Hubbie accompanied her to her house. We headed to bed soon after.
Monday, Dec. 23
Up early this morning to wake Daughter, who wanted to head home by 9 a.m., because she was scheduled to be on duty at noon to take care of her friend's elderly mother-in-law until 3 p.m.
I skipped my exercises after breakfast today, since I expected Mother and Sis to come over sometime mid-morning. When they arrived, I gave Mother the last of her twelve days of Christmas gifts, as well as a small gift to Sis, who had brought a large box of goodies to us.
Sis's gift was a cookbook titled "Taste of the Mountains," compiled by a group in another county.
The cookbook features biographical stories of some of the group, as well as country wit and wisdom sayings.
We spent most of today watching a couple of Christmas movies..."It's a Wonderful Life," and "Miracle on 34th Street," as well as the animated Charlie Brown features.
While we watched movies, Hubbie ran errands, including going to the grocery store to get cream cheese for making Italian cream cheese balls. When he returned, Sis made a couple to take home with her.
Lunch today was soups and sandwiches, and supper was a choice of barbecue sandwiches or hot dogs, served with slaw and chips. There was plenty to choose from in desserts, since we brought sample of goodies home from Hubbie's daughter's Sunday Christmas party.
Sis gathered her stuff and headed home shortly after supper. Mother opted to stay here and watch Hallmark Christmas movies with us for the evening, and then Hubbie accompanied her to her house.
We weren't long heading to bed after that.
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Mother's twelve days of Christmas gifts included: a jar of homemade peach jam, two gift cards to the beauty shop, a gift card to our favorite Italian restaurant, a gift card to the WDCS, Jelly Belly jelly beans, a box of chocolate covered cherries, a jigsaw puzzle, scratch off cards (for winnings of $7), a hairbrush, two picture calendars and a bottle of her favorite shampoo/body wash, a Skipbo card game, and a bag of Little Cuties mandarin oranges.
I had to strain my brain this year thinking of things that Mother could appreciate. At her age, there is very little that she needs or wants. The food items are all things that she likes. She's looking forward to ordering spinach quiche (which she loves) with her Italian restaurant gift card.
Jelly Belly is her all-time favorite candy. She doesn't eat a lot of fruit, but she really likes the Little Cuties, which are easy for her to peel and eat, and are the right serving size for her. The chocolate covered cherries take her down memory lane to a time when that was the one special candy we could afford at Christmas.
We have many board and card games, but the only one that Mother likes is Skipbo, so we wore out the old cards. A new game was in order.
She recently lost her hairbrush, so of course she needed a new one. And the shampoo/body wash combination is the only one she uses.
She has difficulty keeping up with dates, but she still wants a calendar in her kitchen, and one in her bedroom. One of the calendars is a nature photo one that she'll enjoy looking at. The other features Norman Rockwell prints, which always charm her.
I skipped my exercises after breakfast today, since I expected Mother and Sis to come over sometime mid-morning. When they arrived, I gave Mother the last of her twelve days of Christmas gifts, as well as a small gift to Sis, who had brought a large box of goodies to us.
Sis's gift was a cookbook titled "Taste of the Mountains," compiled by a group in another county.
The cookbook features biographical stories of some of the group, as well as country wit and wisdom sayings.
We spent most of today watching a couple of Christmas movies..."It's a Wonderful Life," and "Miracle on 34th Street," as well as the animated Charlie Brown features.
While we watched movies, Hubbie ran errands, including going to the grocery store to get cream cheese for making Italian cream cheese balls. When he returned, Sis made a couple to take home with her.
Lunch today was soups and sandwiches, and supper was a choice of barbecue sandwiches or hot dogs, served with slaw and chips. There was plenty to choose from in desserts, since we brought sample of goodies home from Hubbie's daughter's Sunday Christmas party.
Sis gathered her stuff and headed home shortly after supper. Mother opted to stay here and watch Hallmark Christmas movies with us for the evening, and then Hubbie accompanied her to her house.
We weren't long heading to bed after that.
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Mother's twelve days of Christmas gifts included: a jar of homemade peach jam, two gift cards to the beauty shop, a gift card to our favorite Italian restaurant, a gift card to the WDCS, Jelly Belly jelly beans, a box of chocolate covered cherries, a jigsaw puzzle, scratch off cards (for winnings of $7), a hairbrush, two picture calendars and a bottle of her favorite shampoo/body wash, a Skipbo card game, and a bag of Little Cuties mandarin oranges.
I had to strain my brain this year thinking of things that Mother could appreciate. At her age, there is very little that she needs or wants. The food items are all things that she likes. She's looking forward to ordering spinach quiche (which she loves) with her Italian restaurant gift card.
Jelly Belly is her all-time favorite candy. She doesn't eat a lot of fruit, but she really likes the Little Cuties, which are easy for her to peel and eat, and are the right serving size for her. The chocolate covered cherries take her down memory lane to a time when that was the one special candy we could afford at Christmas.
We have many board and card games, but the only one that Mother likes is Skipbo, so we wore out the old cards. A new game was in order.
She recently lost her hairbrush, so of course she needed a new one. And the shampoo/body wash combination is the only one she uses.
She has difficulty keeping up with dates, but she still wants a calendar in her kitchen, and one in her bedroom. One of the calendars is a nature photo one that she'll enjoy looking at. The other features Norman Rockwell prints, which always charm her.
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Sunday, Dec. 22
Up early, around 6 a.m., so we could get ready for a trip about an hour away for a Christmas visit with Hubbie's family. Daughter went with us, but Sis and Mother opted to stay home.
We arrived at Hubbie's daughter's home around 10:30. Granddaughter and her family were already there, having arrived from Michigan yesterday. That family, all eight of them (three adults and five children), traveled all night from upper Michigan to our state. They were in a van, but it was still a tight fit. One of the children is a young adult, and one is a teenager. One is a baby, and two are under age five. One of the adults is Granddaughter's mother-in-law.Not my idea of a pleasant trip.
Soon, the others arrived...Hubbie's other daughter, and his son, plus several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as assorted spouses, and Hubbie's ex-wife. It was a large and boisterous gathering.
There was a bounty of food, of course, including three kinds of soup, and sandwich makings, side dishes, and lots and lots of dessert choices. The soups I brought were welcome, and the wine jelly was a hit.
Once we'd eaten and cleared away the meal, there was a gift exchange. The women among us gave token gifts to families. My gift was a choice of half-pint jars of homemade jellies. One of the daughters gave crocheted dish clothes; the other gave little battery-operated candles in holders; Hubbie's ex-wife gave quart Ziplock bags of pecans and little bottles of hand lotion; a granddaughter gave quart jars of homemade cherry jam.
Hubbie and his family have agreed not to exchange Christmas gifts, but rather to do birthday gifts only. Unfortunately, Hubbie failed to pack one daughter's birthday gift into the car. The gift card for the other daughter was in his pocket, though. The two daughters have birthdays on the same day.
The two girls go together to get a gift for me, though I've repeatedly told them it is unnecessary to get anything for me. Today, they presented me with a gift basket of the brand of beauty supplies one of the daughters sells.
The hostess daughter is one of the most thoughtful people I know, so she saw that my daughter was not left out. Daughter came home with one of the battery operated candles, a dishcloth, pecans and lotion, and an extra gift of a star shaped candle and holder.
Part of the afternoon was devoted to the children making graham cracker Christmas houses. We brought all the supplies, and the kids gathered around the ping-pong table in the garage, which was covered with plastic table clothes.
We were amused when a couple of the boys at first refused to participate, but then were irresistibly drawn to the project. One of the grown granddaughters even wanted to do one. It was a happy time, and there were a lot of creative results.
Around 3:30, everyone was ready to leave. We arrived back home around 4:30, and I immediately heated soups and set out sandwich makings for our supper.
After supper, we went on a Christmas lights tour of the town. We were all impressed with the elaborate and spectacular display at the river park...thousands of lights, some of which are synchronized to music (if only we could have found the correct radio station to hear the Christmas tunes). We also enjoyed the downtown lighting display, as well as a few "Griswold" decorated homes around town.
Back home, we snacked on hot chocolate and a choice of desserts...rum cake for everyone but Mother, who opted for cookies.
Not long afterward, we were ready to call it a night. It had been a big day for some of us, and one that Daughter thoroughly enjoyed.
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Note: Daughter has a new, and technically wonderful pair of hearing aids. They include a mic that can be attached to clothing, so that whoever is wearing it can talk in a normal tone of voice, and Daughter can clearly understand. She was very much loving hearing the sound of my voice. It was as though she'd never really heard it before.
We arrived at Hubbie's daughter's home around 10:30. Granddaughter and her family were already there, having arrived from Michigan yesterday. That family, all eight of them (three adults and five children), traveled all night from upper Michigan to our state. They were in a van, but it was still a tight fit. One of the children is a young adult, and one is a teenager. One is a baby, and two are under age five. One of the adults is Granddaughter's mother-in-law.Not my idea of a pleasant trip.
Soon, the others arrived...Hubbie's other daughter, and his son, plus several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as assorted spouses, and Hubbie's ex-wife. It was a large and boisterous gathering.
There was a bounty of food, of course, including three kinds of soup, and sandwich makings, side dishes, and lots and lots of dessert choices. The soups I brought were welcome, and the wine jelly was a hit.
Once we'd eaten and cleared away the meal, there was a gift exchange. The women among us gave token gifts to families. My gift was a choice of half-pint jars of homemade jellies. One of the daughters gave crocheted dish clothes; the other gave little battery-operated candles in holders; Hubbie's ex-wife gave quart Ziplock bags of pecans and little bottles of hand lotion; a granddaughter gave quart jars of homemade cherry jam.
Hubbie and his family have agreed not to exchange Christmas gifts, but rather to do birthday gifts only. Unfortunately, Hubbie failed to pack one daughter's birthday gift into the car. The gift card for the other daughter was in his pocket, though. The two daughters have birthdays on the same day.
The two girls go together to get a gift for me, though I've repeatedly told them it is unnecessary to get anything for me. Today, they presented me with a gift basket of the brand of beauty supplies one of the daughters sells.
The hostess daughter is one of the most thoughtful people I know, so she saw that my daughter was not left out. Daughter came home with one of the battery operated candles, a dishcloth, pecans and lotion, and an extra gift of a star shaped candle and holder.
Part of the afternoon was devoted to the children making graham cracker Christmas houses. We brought all the supplies, and the kids gathered around the ping-pong table in the garage, which was covered with plastic table clothes.
We were amused when a couple of the boys at first refused to participate, but then were irresistibly drawn to the project. One of the grown granddaughters even wanted to do one. It was a happy time, and there were a lot of creative results.
Around 3:30, everyone was ready to leave. We arrived back home around 4:30, and I immediately heated soups and set out sandwich makings for our supper.
After supper, we went on a Christmas lights tour of the town. We were all impressed with the elaborate and spectacular display at the river park...thousands of lights, some of which are synchronized to music (if only we could have found the correct radio station to hear the Christmas tunes). We also enjoyed the downtown lighting display, as well as a few "Griswold" decorated homes around town.
Back home, we snacked on hot chocolate and a choice of desserts...rum cake for everyone but Mother, who opted for cookies.
Not long afterward, we were ready to call it a night. It had been a big day for some of us, and one that Daughter thoroughly enjoyed.
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Note: Daughter has a new, and technically wonderful pair of hearing aids. They include a mic that can be attached to clothing, so that whoever is wearing it can talk in a normal tone of voice, and Daughter can clearly understand. She was very much loving hearing the sound of my voice. It was as though she'd never really heard it before.
Saturday, Dec. 21
Awoke to a very wet day that eventually dumped four inches of rain on us. Mother opted to stay home today, since she was afraid of losing her footing if she tried to cross our yard.
After breakfast, I did stair stepping, resistance bands, and weights exercises. Once I was ready for the day, I finished a recipe of Chinese chicken soup. Hubbie helped by dicing green onions, and shredding a head of cabbage. I added spices, soy sauce, fresh ginger, the onions and cabbage, and Ramen noodles to the soup. One pot of soup was destined for a trip to another town for a family Christmas party, and the other stayed here as a choice for Mother's and Sis's dinner on Sunday.
We expected both Sis and Daughter to come for a visit this weekend, but I heard from Sis early on letting me know that she was going to wait to come up until later in the day, since it was raining hard this morning. Later I heard from Daughter, who overslept this morning, and didn't get on the road until in the afternoon.
In the meantime, Hubbie and I gathered things we would need to take to the other town tomorrow, including two kinds of soup, an Italian cream cheese ball and crackers, a jar of wine jelly and a tub of cream cheese, several varieties of homemade jelly to use as token gifts, and all the supplies necessary for making graham cracker Christmas houses.
At noon, Hubbie took lunch to Mother, and then he and I had sandwiches. I spent the afternoon watching a Christmas movie....George C. Scott as Scrooge.
Sis and Daughter arrived later, and for supper I made a recipe of macaroni and cheese to go with barbecue pork sandwiches. Sis came over from Mother's house and picked up servings of the meal, along with dessert, for herself and Mother. Daughter joined Hubbie and me for supper here at our house.
After supper, I gathered ingredients for Sis to make herself a recipe of Italian cream cheese ball, and then we watched TV until it was time for Sis to accompany Mother to her house. Hubbie, Daughter, and I were not long heading to bed.
After breakfast, I did stair stepping, resistance bands, and weights exercises. Once I was ready for the day, I finished a recipe of Chinese chicken soup. Hubbie helped by dicing green onions, and shredding a head of cabbage. I added spices, soy sauce, fresh ginger, the onions and cabbage, and Ramen noodles to the soup. One pot of soup was destined for a trip to another town for a family Christmas party, and the other stayed here as a choice for Mother's and Sis's dinner on Sunday.
We expected both Sis and Daughter to come for a visit this weekend, but I heard from Sis early on letting me know that she was going to wait to come up until later in the day, since it was raining hard this morning. Later I heard from Daughter, who overslept this morning, and didn't get on the road until in the afternoon.
In the meantime, Hubbie and I gathered things we would need to take to the other town tomorrow, including two kinds of soup, an Italian cream cheese ball and crackers, a jar of wine jelly and a tub of cream cheese, several varieties of homemade jelly to use as token gifts, and all the supplies necessary for making graham cracker Christmas houses.
At noon, Hubbie took lunch to Mother, and then he and I had sandwiches. I spent the afternoon watching a Christmas movie....George C. Scott as Scrooge.
Sis and Daughter arrived later, and for supper I made a recipe of macaroni and cheese to go with barbecue pork sandwiches. Sis came over from Mother's house and picked up servings of the meal, along with dessert, for herself and Mother. Daughter joined Hubbie and me for supper here at our house.
After supper, I gathered ingredients for Sis to make herself a recipe of Italian cream cheese ball, and then we watched TV until it was time for Sis to accompany Mother to her house. Hubbie, Daughter, and I were not long heading to bed.
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