Ahhhhh! A Glimpse: Kristi's Christmas Party

My company has returned to FL....we loved having grandson, Jared and girlfriend, Jessica here over the New Year, and they had a great time exploring Cape Cod and Boston. They even got to tour Plymouth. Yesterday morning it was back to work time and leaving LM and Ms G (sob, sob). It really did feel nice to be back at my desk, though, and to greet my co-workers after the long break.
At lunch I moved my things back into my place knowing there would be a relaxing evening at home for the first time since December 16th.
Also returning to work, LM was on a long car trip to northern VT yesterday. He was pleased as he's had a long time with no calls to work for dealers.
Over the next few days, I hope to catch up with my blog self.

Back in mid-December, the day program Kristi attends at Community Connections, had a gala Christmas/Holiday party at a local restaurant, and I took the afternoon off to attend. It was such a nice event with everyone dressed in their holiday best, a delicious meal was served, and Santa made an appearance, passing out gifts especially chosen for all the attendees.
Kristi was decked out in her holiday sweater and seemed to be having a great time with her friends.
Showing off a gift.
A nice pose with her beloved friend and leader of her group, Lisa. Lots of wishes to Lisa for a very happy new year in 2011. You are such an asset to Kristi's life and it was a pleasure to meet you!!

Two years Old - Teddy, WOW!

Happy New Year!!! I'm kicking off the new year with a little bit of overdue catch-up. The last month has been a blur of celebrations, barking dogs, and the cap-off of 2010 - a week's visit with my grandson, Jared and his girlfriend, Jessica. They drove all the way from Ocala, FL and we have had a delightful time showing them around Cape Cod. There will be lots of photos of their visit, but first, we must back up to December 13 and Teddy's 2nd birthday party.
There was an Elmo theme this year.....
With Nana, Teddy had just woken from a nap and was very cuddly and clutching his chipmunk. When you squeeze the chippy's right toe he sings an Alvin song. A big Christmas hit.
Here's the joyful one gleefully chasing a balloon.
Blurry, but I love it....
Ready to have dessert.
Caught LM in a funny glance but he was really having a great time. He is a big hit with Teddy.
Teddy watched cousin, Samantha don her party hat.

Getting ready to celebrate...intently watching others playing with the party favors as his Mom lights the candles.
Kristi had lots of fun and showered Teddy with gifts, thoughtfully chosen.
Teddy's grandfather, Alan, holds another baby cousin to be admired by Teddy and Samantha.
Proud Daddy and the birthday boy.
Sara and Samantha enjoying the party mood.
Time to open presents and Samantha was a wonderful helper.

Alison's Dad gave Teddy the cutest "little boy" sofa bed and he LOVES it.
A lovely time was had by all!

Be back soo with Christmas pictures. It's been a lovely, very full month, and best of all, I have been with LM everyday for the past week.....alas, it is back to work tomorrow and to my house tomorrow night. I will miss Ms G and my dearest love but I go with a full heart, looking forward to Friday and to every precious moment we have together.
Hope everyone had a great passage into the New year. Ours was very quiet and just the way we like it....together at home.
Onward 2011.

Speeding Toward 2011

Could someone help me pull the reins in? The sled is flying way too fast toward New Year's Eve. Last night I finished my dog sitting stint. My boss and family had gotten delayed in St. Thomas because of the blizzard which hit us on Sun and Mon. I was so happy to be with LM last night for the first time in almost 4 weeks. We'd seen each other briefly during that time but that was it.

I'm so far behind in posting pictures. There are fun scenes from Teddy's birthday, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day awaiting, as well as some funny Ms G stuff.

Meanwhile, last night, my grandson and girlfriend arrived from FL to stay at my house for a week. I am with LM and Ms G and so very happy. Going to catch up on my sleep and some car maintenance with a day off tomorrow, and we will be doing some fun Cape Cod touring with our visitors.

Happy New Year wishes to everyone and I will be back as soon as I can with more details.

Love and gratitude to everyone! Here are the only two photos from the last week which I have at the ready.....

Nephew, Bob and my SIL, Trish, celebrating Christmas Eve....
Ms G in her most common pose under LM's dining room table.....she reminds me of a beached seal. This is the look she has when she wants to have LM's full attention....actually, she doesn't have to work too hard for his love.

Christmas Eve Day

Happily I have today off and after being woken by my canine charges at 4 am, I found myself over at my house by 5:50 am. Love driving in the very early morning. I've just completed a strawberry chiffon pie for Christmas dinner tomorrow at LM's....used another of my Mum's customary holiday treats. Also in waiting, is a large jar of hot fudge sauce to take to Christmas Eve dinner at son, Jason's tonight....cannot wait to see Teddy. LM and I will be making our way there about 4 today. Before that, I must get my house back in order, tend to the dogs, and also go to Orleans to feed my friend's cat, Khaos, whom I am caring for until Monday. Busy time for me but happy I can help out my boss and friends while they are away over Christmas.
LM is doing all the Christmas dinner cooking....it will involve fish and lots of veggies. I'm very grateful.

We are awaiting another huge snowstorm! It is ill-timed as my grandson, Jared (Anne's oldest) and girlfriend, Jessica, are due to arrive here for a week on Monday, early in the day, from Florida. The forecast is for the snow to start Sunday and not to end until late Monday, with the Cape getting the heaviest snow. They may have to stop before reaching the northeast as neither of them have driven in snow before, and, for that matter, Jessica has never seen snow. Part of me hopes we will have a beautiful snowfall to greet them, but the hassle and danger of driving is a worry. They plan to stay at my house, and I will take up residence with LM and Ms G for a week....mmmmmmm. Heaven! We'll be taking them around to see Cape Cod in the winter and for Jessica it will be a first trip to new England so there will be lots to see.

Well, that is about it for now. Sending out lots of love and best wishes to all my family and blog friends. May you have a peaceful beautiful Christmas/holiday, and be surrounded by love, beauty and delicious things to eat.

White Christmas!

LM took this photo yesterday morning at the beginning of the snow. We got well over a foot and it is still snowing this morning!
I'm staying at my boss's and it is about a mile down a dirt road. Thankfully, the wonderful guys I work with came by this morning to plow and dig me out, then followed me in my car until I was out of the worst part. Many are without power so I am grateful we are warm. Our town got hit the worst but it is so beautiful that I am choosing not to mind.

I'll have a few photos to post of the snow's beauty later today. Nice to be at work with my friends.
I'm way behind in posting but the schedule with the dog tending has me off my usual path. Thinking of everyone and wishing you well, happy and warm!

That Time of Year

Happy birthday, Mum......I miss you more each minute and I search constantly for ways to bring you back, to bring you closer, to emulate your traditions, but never quite reach the mark.
This year I've baked loaves of your cherry nut cake almost everyday. As I pass them along to friends, wrapped in foil and ribbons, your hand will be holding mine.
We celebrated your birthday that last day, you were happy, clear, and surrounded by love and then you left us in your sleep. You'd begun to leave this plane slowly but on your last birthday you were back!
Everyday, your hands seem to do my daily chores, and I watch them gratefully.

This week throughout Christmas will find me with my doggie friends at my boss's house. A simple Christmas celebration will be squeezed in, between the wagging tails, in and out doors and nights alone (the money will be saved toward vacation). LM is very busy with his household, his children and tending Ms G. It is a time of transition. He has one month to keep close tabs on John until the next court date. Tenterhooks are making things feel shaky. We are hopeful the judge will allow John to go to Job Corps instead of back to jail. Day to day.....
We miss each other and hope to spend maybe an hour later today. I miss Ms G, as well.

Just a time of missing, and allowing a little bit of feeling sorry for myself.....Won't last long - not time for that when I have so much and others so little. The stress of daily survival, is especially hard for some I love.

Well, the sun is rising, more cherry nut cake is cooling and I am off to help a friend choose fabrics for a quilt today.
Thank you again, Mum for my spirit to keep going. I know you had that, too.

Wordless Wednesday