After the garden party on Saturday, while getting into the car,

a ladybug got in with Larry.

It was getting very cold, and we smiled.

Last evening, My Larry and I drove to see the Christmas lights

on Matilda’s house.

During the drive…the ladybug appeared!

The picture is not good, but you can see her up by the window.

The drive north was beautiful. It was the last night of Autumn, with an amazing sunset.

Matilda has the flu….but was her usual adorable self.

We took her a new magnifying glass.

The Miller’s house was decorated beautifully.

Josh did a perfect job on the lights.

~~~~~~~

Yesterday, I found something in the guest-room closet.

A half done coat on my sewing manikin.

The fabric is gorgeous and I think that I will finish it this week.

The fabric is a heavy red linen with embroidery.

Working with this kind of fabric is thrilling

and

I am using a traditional pattern that I like.

Working with a commercial pattern, the project always goes faster for me.

I believe that I am ready for Christmas….are you?

My life seems uneventful 

but only to the blind.

Who cannot see the triumphs

I’m having in my mind.

Love you.

Me

 

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me,

five Golden rings.

Is it true?

Do we have five days left till the holiest day of the year?

This has been an amazing holiday for me personally.

When we left for France, it was 70 degrees and autumn.

When we returned, Christmas had arrived.

Matilda, ma cherie, is growing at the speed of light.

Lauren and Josh, {our own Raymond & Debra} inspire and entertain us daily.

Jamison is doing ok. I am impressed by her bravery and conviction.

My Larry is exuberant again.

He loves the new position at work and smiles a lot.

As I am finishing the second half of my 5th year, cancer free,

knowing that the joy and love in our hearts and lives

has nothing to do with golden rings or what is under the tree.

It has no monetary value.

It if free to us all

and

we must work very hard to achieve it.

Are you going to give it to someone for Christmas?

Love you.

Me

Tomorrow, our cousin Dale Grandfield will be ordained 

to the sacred Order Of Priests 

at St Paul’s Episcopal Church 

in Cleveland, Ohio.

Larry Tolbert asked if he could be guest blogger today,

and share something for this occasion.

~~~~~~~~~~~ 

“Every man’s life ends the same way.

It is only the details of how he lived and how he died

that distinguish one man from another.”

~ernest heminngway~

Dale,

We will be thinking of you and Brad on Sunday

when your journey will marked by another special moment…

Congratulations Dale,

the world is a better place because of how you live.

Love you.

Larry & Robin

 

It is always exciting to watch children’s eyes

as they talk about Santa and if they were naughty or nice.

This is the second year that My Larry and I have not decorated the house.

I wonder if this an  old people thing

or just Larry and me being kooky?

We are happy and filled with Christmas spirit,

just without a tree.

Today is holiday baking day.

I started cooking an hour ago and  The Cottage smells lovely.

It is going to be a fun, weekend filled with

Santa, the 12 days  of Christmas, love and family.

Please have a happy weekend.

Love you beyond family, Christmas celebrations!

Me

 

Last Friday, Matilda slept over at our house for the first time.

She was perfect.

I expected a little homesickness, but, no.

She made herself at home in the guest room.

She and Larry put the tent up around dinner-time.

After dinner, we made hot chocolate, bundled up in blankets

and read stories in the tent. It is so much fun.

After freezing in the tent, we came inside put our P-J’s on.

Matilda got into bed, Larry sat in the chair and I read books….

evidently I was so boring. They both fell sound asleep.

Christmas Krispy Kreams were served for breakfast,

while we played board games and watched

Seven Brides For Seven Brothers.

It was a most excellent sleep over

and I cannot wait for ma cherie to come visit again.

Love you.

Me