Can I breathe yet? Is this holiday week almost over? I am proud to say that I just experienced my 66th Christmas and it was perfection.

At my age, one becomes an observer. I remember when I was little at Christmas, I remember when my daughters were little at Christmas and now I watch my dear granddaughter at Christmas. It is the most amazing process.

As a Christian, my memories center around church during the holidays. This Christmas, I wanted to go to Christmas Eve services very much. We had to make reservations this year. There were less than 20 people in the entire church on the 24th of December at 7:00.

Reverend Angie was wonderful. I was so happy just to be at church that I was smiling behind my mask. The choir director was our soloist (no choir this year. Frown face). We had music, lessons and a sermon to remember. (Thank you Angie)

Larry nor I had taken communion since February and on Christmas Eve, we had the opportunity to be served. It was very different. We had this little portion control communion cup. Whoever thought of this? Genius.

The Juice was on top, the wafer was on the bottom. These containers were at the door to the sanctuary. We took our own. No one touched them or came near us. Angie instructed us to take the wafer first then the juice.

It finally felt Christmas.

Now I will look forward to a brand new year. Are you ready?

Love you.

Me

Happy Monday, December 28, 2020. Larry and I have been straightening up after this crazy holiday. Christmas is put away, (not that we had much out) the big thing to take care of, was Matilda’s Santa’s Work Shop.

We bought the cardboard Workshop for Matilda because she was coming for a sleepover. It came in a flat box and we built it! We also bought markers just for decorating the sweet little house. We had the best sleepover/visit that weekend!

This past Saturday morning, Larry started dismantling Matilda’s creation. It was difficult (sad) for him and I have to admit, I cried. It was so much fun building it with her and coloring in the decorations was creative and memorable.

We all wanted to keep it, but there just was no room in The Cottage for it.

During the “demolition” , when Larry discovered that Matilda had written things on the inside of the workshop he laughed . Her graffiti was so cute, I took photos and will remember it always.

Here we are on Monday morning. A new year is on the horizon and I have so many hopes and wishes for this new year. The past 18 months have disappointed me terribly but I am counting on all good things for 2021.

Be happy today. Smiling helps.

Love you.

Me

I am at my desk this morning, cleaning up loose ends. One of my loose ends is cleaning out old pictures from the big camera. I found the photo below in today’s download.

This photo expresses our feelings as we move forward to 2021. Besides ….it is Matilda!

I have been reading quotes by authors, about the new year….here is a favorite.

“Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it well & serenely, & with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense. This day is too dear with its hopes & invitations to waste a moment on the rotten yesterdays.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson

Love you.

Me

The festivities are over. I feel content and Larry is enjoying his last days of vacation. Today is sunny and will be warm this afternoon. I do not know what to do with myself.

There are many things in my planner…ideas of projects, books to read, people to write letters to. (fun things)

Larry and I wish you happy, content moments during this last week of the year….

Love you.

Me

Today while dressing for Christmas Eve festivities , I found an old necklace that Larry bought me YEARS ago. I had lost track of it, but I found it this morning! AND I am wearing it.

Look at the picture below…..Is this science or history? Usually kids guess that this is the “One Ring” from Lord of the Rings as it has markings on the inside and outside of the piece. But the writing isn’t Elfish.

On the outer rim of the ring are the letters ” J F M A M J J A S O N D” and on the inside of the ring are the numbers 1 through 11. There is a brass ring that rotates around the centre of the ring and in the middle of this ring is a round hole. Engraved inside the ring are words, “Carpe Diem” or “seize the day.”

So other than a really cool piece of jewelery and very nice birthday present from my best friend, what does this pendant have to do with science and history?
You are looking at a replica of the Eleanor of Aquitaine sundial, based on the one the queen gave to her husband, Henry II of England in about 1152. Right about now kids yawn.
Most children have never heard of Eleanor, Henry and know nothing about the Aquitaine. However, ask a child if they have ever heard of Robin Hood and most hands go up. Ask them if they know which king went to the crusades with Robin Hood most know the name of Richard the Lionhearted. And generally kids will have heard of his evil brother, King John. Now you have their attention. Let’s not get into the fact that Robin Hood as portrayed in movies and books, was fictional.
When Eleanor married Henry, she was one of the wealthiest and most powerful women of her time. Marrying Eleanor was a pretty smart move for Henry as he now had access to money, lands and political influence. Eleanor like throwing lavish parties and wanted Henry to be back in time for dinner. Now frankly telling your husband he needed to be back at the castle no later than 5 pm had no real meaning as well, wrist watches would not be invented for another 500 or so years.
To solve this problem, Eleanor had a beautiful sundial made for her husband. This way he could always tell what time it was. Henry also commissioned an even fancier one for his wife made from gold and set with diamonds. And how did this romantic gesture work out? Sadly, there wasn’t a “happily ever after” ending. Henry imprisoned Eleanor in a castle and went off to hunt and party to his hearts content, never having to see what time it was on his sundial watch.

Now the science. Turn the dial so that the hole aligns with the month. Turn the hole towards the sun so that a ray of the sun shines through the hole. Where the ray lands will tell you the hour.
Did you know?
When asked most people will say that “A.M.” means “after midnight”. In fact a.m. and p.m. mean “Ante Meridian- Latin – before midday” and “Post Meridian- Latin “after midday”.

Now I will know what time it is all day long today, it is the day before Christmas!

Have a happy Christmas Eve….

Love you beyond the moon.

Me

A few days ago, an old friend reached out to me. It is someone who I have known a long time, even before Larry and I were married.

What a wonderful time of the year for friends. It made me happy to be reminded that everything counts, not just today. My content attitude has not come easily. It is supported by Larry, my Girls and friends…..A challenging life is just part of our days. I must remember the words of the ABBA song, I Have a Dream.

(sorry about the dead space below…I cannot seem to fix it)

I Have a Dream, a song to sing
To help me cope, with anything
If you see the wonder, of a fairy tale
You can take the future, even if you fail

I believe in angels
Something good in everything I see
I believe in angels
When I know the time is right for me
I’ll cross the stream, I Have a Dream I Have a Dream, a fantasy
To help me through, reality
And my destination, makes it worth the while
Pushin’ through the darkness, still another mile

I believe in angels
Something good in everything I see
I believe in angels
When I know the time is right for me
I’ll cross the stream, I Have a Dream
I’ll cross the stream, I Have a Dream I Have a Dream, a song to sing
To help me…

Love you beyond the moon and stars.

Me

Larry is on vacation and I am testing savory muffins recipes. Beautiful, flavorful muffins.

Larry and I shared muffin number one. It was light and flavorful. It is like garlic bread in muffin form. I am putting the recipe in INK. In THE recipe box!

I could not resist posting the Pug/Muffin poster….that is exactly how I feel about the new muffin I made today!

Have a happy day. I send love and good wishes. Please be patient and kind….the crazies are out and about.

Love you beyond the moon and stars.

Me

It is late this morning. We slept in because….Larry is on vacation!! Laundry is swirling, I am working on one last Christmas gift and my music is playing. First on my playlist is Peter Nero’s All The Things You Are. Did you notice that seeing Peter Nero in concert is on my bucket list? He is one of my most favorite pianist . Ever.

This weekend was wonderful. I rented out a local movie theater for Larry’s birthday. Seven of us (Lauren, Josh, Matilda, Jami, Jared, Larry and myself) gathered….. we saw The Grinch with Jim Carey. None of us had been to the movies in over 10 months. It was glorious and the perfect way to celebrate Larry AND Christmas.

For the occasion, I made everyone Grinch blankets to cuddle with during the movie. Jami and Jared cuddled up immediately, Lauren, Josh and Matilda left their blankets in their truck. I guess that they were warm enough.

Larry was happy that we all were together for a few hours. It was a good birthday for him.

After the movie, we all went our separate ways. Larry took me to Dallas, where we walked the length of Klyde Warren Park. It was busy, but everyone was masked and social distancing. I held Larry’s hand and we got quite a few steps in.

Sunday Dinner and a Movie!……On Sunday, Larry and I had roasted chicken, potato salad and mixed veggies for dinner.

You can find the recipe to the Grinch cookies here—>

The Grinch’s Chocolate Cookie Recipe

Sunday movie………

Have you seen, It Happened on 5th Avenue? It is a great Christmas movie….

It was a wonderful weekend. Now Larry has the week off. My moments with him are the best moments of my day.

My moments with Peter Nero and Larry. Some days are just so very wonderful.

I wish you wonderful days too……

Love you beyond the moon and stars.

Me

Enjoy one of the Grinch’s favorite snacks…… makes about 6 dozen cookies.

Ingredients

1-1/4 cups of butter, softened

2 cups sugar

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups flour

3/4 cup baking cocoa

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips OR white chocolate chips

Method

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In bowl, cream softened butter with sugar till light and fluffy.

Beat in eggs, one at a time. Add vanilla.

Sift the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt onto a large plate.

Add flour slowly to the cream mixture and mix till combined.

Stir in chips.

Drop by rounded teaspoons onto greased cookie sheet.

Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes, till set.

Cool on baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring to wire racks.

Enjoy these holiday treats! Straight from The Grinch’s recipe box.

“No matter how different a Who may appear, he will always be welcomed with holiday cheer.” 

Cindy Lou Who

Happy Holidays! Love you….Me.

Yesterday, I stayed at the work table most of the day. I was finishing a few things that at the last minute I decided to make for my girls. (Lars, Jamison & Matilda)

Fingers crossed that I will be able to finish everything up today and lucky, because my family does not read BLOG often, so I can post surprises here.

Knitting has become a relaxing activity for me. I guess you can tell by the stack of knits on the photo below, I always keep a project on the knitting needles.

I’m looking at these sweet garments to finish while the recipe for double chocolate cookies is sitting here on my desk staring at me……what should I do first? Knit OR bake?

Have a great weekend. Please share your joy with someone who might need a smile?

Love you beyond the moon.

Me