Christmas Fun

 

Because of the imminent birth of granddaughter number 3, I traveled to Michigan the week before Christmas to help my expectant daughter with her 2 year old, plus babysit for my younger daughter with the 3 month old, so they could attend a wedding.  

It was so fun in both locations with all the lead up to Christmas.  There were lots of Christmas crafts, Christmas movies, and Christmas books.  Lots of Christmas music and shaking of  both snow globes and sprinkles on Christmas cookies.

The highlight was the Christmas Tea Party I planned for the two year old.  I think it was her first real tea party and the stars cut from cheese were a bit hit.  She also loved stirring the “tea” in the tea cups.  When I found out I was having a granddaughter, this was what I envisioned.  And, there will be many more tea parties to come with 3 granddaughters. 

I returned to Florida on Christmas Eve morning and we have been Christmas-ing since with Christmas Eve mass, dinner at home, opening presents and a walk thru some beautiful Christmas lights.  Then, dinner at our friend’s house on Christmas Day.  

It was a very different Christmas here in Florida, but different does not mean bad.  Plus, we have our family Christmas in Michigan to look forward to and meeting the new baby.  I think we made this “different” Christmas work just fine.

 

Thanksgiving Week in Photos

 

We celebrated both our Anniversary and Thanksgiving this week, plus got all the Christmas decorating done - so today, I rest.

On Tuesday, we went to Ft. Myers to see MSU basketball beat East Carolina, celebrated our Anniversary with a dinner out on Wednesday and enjoyed a delicious Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday.  My mother in law was here, so just three of us.  The Lions unfortunately lost, but MSU Basketball had a big win over UNC.  We missed our family, but they were together at Megan’s house on a snowy Thanksgiving in Grand Rapids.  

On to Christmas fun!

Calendar is Full

 

After being not very mobile with my injury, it is so great to finally catch up on all the things.  From overdue trimming around my house, to cleaning, to catching up with friends, my lists are long and my calendar is full.

My volunteer position is keeping me busy as we take on a big job in Venice where we help decorate a big park for the holidays.  I have become more involved and am on the committee, so have spent a lot of time taking on a few big jobs.  We are a powerhouse group and got it done this week.  It was a beautiful night in the park last night with families enjoying the lights turned on a bit early for testing and other non profit groups out decorating their assigned tree.  The community spirit in Venice is strong!

Also filling my calendar is continued PT which is going very well and I am very motivated.  Honestly, PT is a miracle seeing where I started.  I am even slowly starting a protocol to get back to golf.  The snow birds are starting to arrive too, so many breakfasts, lunches and dinners are happening.

And, like many of you, Thanksgiving prep is ongoing.  My daughters and their families will be together in Michigan, so I will miss them, but we will be hosting my mother in law here and I look forward to a quiet sunshiney Florida day with good food and football.

Happy Thanksgiving to all! 

P.S. Here is a recipe from the 2020 archives - my favorite Cranberry, Apple, Ginger Chutney.  So much better than the canned stuff and it is great to use on oatmeal after Thanksgiving.