Out with the Old in with the New

Maggie darted about like a blac-stockinged bird.... Wende Devlin

The old year was amazing, can’t wait to see what the New Year will bring.

2010, I can scarcely believe I will soon be writing that date.

But, firstly I must discuss Christmas. My Christmas was amazing.

My Dad was able to make it through the rain storm to be with Janet, Regena and I for Christmas Eve.

We had a white Christmas after all, which meant that we got to visit with Dad for a few extra days! He actually couldn’t get out due to weather until Dec. 27. We surely enjoyed having him around. We went to the movie theater on Christmas day to see Sherlock Holmes. I haven’t had the chance to go to the movies with my Dad for a long time.

Presents! There were lots opened and enjoyed. Let me just say I have delightful, wonderful, caring, giving daughters.

From Regena : DVDS El Dorado ( I love John Wayne)

Gidget (Sandra Dee)

Elvis compilation tape with 4 movies!

Do Not Disturb (Doris Day and Rod Taylor)

The Glass Bottom Boat (Doris Day and Rod Taylor)

Benny and Joon

A book on whales , some sake, and a delightful aromatherapy body cream(I will be having time to relax and enjoy that very soon!)

Also, she got me soft socks and filled my stocking with goodies (including Jack Daniels Coffee and chocolate and peppermint and homemade soap)

From Janet: DVDS Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

Tammy (one with Debbie Reynolds and two Sandra Dee)

Soft brown reindeer socks

A lovely scarf

A metal spatula (one that Uma will not be able to eat!)

Lotion and bath gel in my stocking

I certainly won't be bored when they both go off to grad school next year.

I received a bottle of Baileys from my Dad. Which I have sampled already!

Steve. One reason my 2009 was so awesome. Not only did he make my dream of Cape Cod come true, he is making all my dreams come true. Maybe some of my loyal readers (both of you) remember that I blogged about the marvelous book Cranberry Thanksgiving. Well, I now own my very own copy! Steve bought it for me for Christmas. He also gave me a bottle of Irish whiskey, with a trip to Ireland attached. YES, you read it right, A TRIP TO IRELAND in 2010!

I feel very fortunate and have had a year filled with family and friends (of which I feel extremely fortunate to have several very dear friends).

I am looking forward to a new year, but leave the old one with fond memories to last a lifetime.

Here comes Santa Claus

You'd better not pout, you'd better no cry

Santa Claus is coming to town!

Here they are as promised, the reindeer and Santa made by J in 1995! These are some of my very favorite Christmas decorations.

I love to look at all the designer stuff, but when you come to my place you get homemade decorations. We not only have the beloved reindeer and Santa (so are Dasher and Dancer in the front leading the sleigh or are they closest to Santa?) we have three versions of handprint wreaths, Santa Claus in various forms from years in Oklahoma, three very special angels that sing in our Angel Choir that sits on the coffee table and a very special angel in a gingham dress that sits atop our Christmas tree. She will be there every year, or until she falls apart, even when her creator can't make it home for Christmas (missing my boy this year).

Our tree is full of handmade photo ornaments of the kids through the years. It warms my heart to look at them all, and remember.

So Merry Christmas to all and a very Happy New Year.

December Time Again

When the air is filled with twinkling bells

And the trees are white with crusty shells

When the frost is on the windowpane

It's December time again

When the snowflakes cover up the sky

And little faces breathe a happy sigh

Old man winter's here to entertain

It's December time again

The mistletoe that's growing

Will soon be picked for showing

That lovers like this season of the year

Those sleigh rides so exciting

The fancy colored lighting

Are certain signs the yule tide's growing near

When the woodman fells the evergreen

And little carollers appear upon the scene

And the heaven's echo their refrain

It's December time again

(song lyrics Walter Grieve)

I am so ready for December time.

The forecast for today is possible flurries.

The air this morning has the crispness of December.

Bell ringers have begun their vigil of standing in the cold

to raise a few dollars for the needy at this time of the year.

On Sunday, we make the long trip (across town)

to choose a Christmas tree.

Then the awesome task of decorating.

Shopping has begun, and in fact is almost done.

I have a couple of traditional shopping trips planned

with friends.

My family is coming on Dec 12

to celebrate the holidays

together at my home.

Then the long wait until Christmas Eve.

Yes it is December time again.

I am certainly feeling the spirit of the season.