Winter Solstice

As the sun begins to set on the shortest day of the year, I am proud of myself for not getting too down about the weather and winter.
I wish we had a tradition for today.
I love the idea of celebrating the changing of the seasons.
One of my professors in college ran through the woods in her running shoes only to celebrate spring - at least that is what I heard...

I think maybe that will be something I will ponder on and talk through with MD. Maybe we can come up with some traditions for the solstice and equinox days of the year.

Do you do anything to celebrate the seasons?

UPDATE: AFTER DOING A 15 MINUTES SEARCH ON THE WEB, THERE ISN'T MUCH OUT THERE FOR CELEBRATION IDEAS FOR WINTER SOLSTICE. I REALLY THINK FOR ME IT NEEDS TO BE A PERSONAL CELEBRATION OF NATURE SO I GUESS I WILL NEED TO DO A BIT MORE THINKING ON THE SUBJECT. THANKS FOR YOUR INPUT SO FAR.

Any ideas?

So B and I were out shoveling in the deep snow this afternoon and some kids in the neighborhood came out to see her.

They came out without socks and mittens.

A neighbor of mine said she is sure they have these things - they probably just didn't put them on. What do you think?
I know I am not giving you a lot to go on.
My real dilemma is if I should gift them some socks and mittens?
Do you think they would be offended?
Should I give them anonymously?

Let me know what you think.

Poor Sophie

Christmas Cards

What's better than getting pictures of your family and friends in Christmas cards?
Getting pictures of your own family in Christmas cards.
Our friends in Ely where we go every year sent us a lovely Christmas card
with pictures of us in it!
I love it!

The Mad Scientist

The title says it all. This picture of D makes MD and I just shake our heads when we look at it. Our little boy is growing up! Almost a year old. I can't believe it.

Thinking of Ya-ya

My good friend and neighbor Ya ya is having a big operation tomorrow morning.
7 hours long.
Ugh.

We love you Ya ya and hope your surgery goes well!
I promise we will have rice pudding ready for you when you get home.
With cinnamon AND raisins!

UPDATE: Ya Ya's surgery went well. Only 5 hours. She is home now and resting. Welcome Home Ya Ya! We missed you.

The Dreaded Driving Season

So it has begun.
Driving in Wintery Conditions.
yuck.

I absolutely positively without a doubt HATE driving in wintery conditions.

Between the road slop freezing to my windshield and the guy in front of me driving 20 mph in a 55 zone - I long for those hot summer days when I am frying in my car.

Remember the good ol days when this was your ride?



All you had to worry about then was freezing your fingers and toes and face right off...

Those were the days.

B's excitement is contagious

As soon as the tree was up, B said, "I can't wait until Father Christmas is here!"
And then she said it again, and again.

Now she is setting up her tea set in front of the Christmas tea and asked me if I wanted a 'perfect cup of tea'. How could I refuse?

I am excited to see Christmas through her experience.

Beautiful Tree

December Already?

Whoa.
When did this happen.
You'd think by now I would be used to the fact that a month goes by faster and faster as time passes.

MD has been glued to his new toy the last 24 hours.
It is cute.
He is downloading all those apps that he thought I should have.
Now I can have them too - I guess.

Happy 1st day of December!!