Wednesday, December 23, 2015

The Home Stretch!

I think we must all be in the midst of the holiday whirlwind -- at least I am here!

Photo by Judy Winter

Thank you all for nice words on my blogaversary! It's been fun "meeting" you all. I have tried to reply to everyone if your email address is included with your comment but if you are a no-reply blogger, I can't! So thank you all! (For those of you who are G+, I have tried to find you that way but since we aren't connected, not so easy! There is no link -- so I just want you to know you aren't being "ignored!")

Photo by Judy Winter

Before we get into the big day itself later this week, here's a quick recap of holiday fun!

Me and my girl. Photo by Judy Winter
My Christmas week started last Wednesday when a couple of work friends came over for some Christmas cheer. Then Thursday, my friend Judy came for an impromptu dinner (aka leftovers!).

Photo by Judy Winter.

She's a wonderful photographer and took a few photos I have to share (throughout this post!)

Photo by Judy Winter
Friday with a "crafternoon" at a friend's house. After a delicious luncheon in the most beautifully decorated and enchanting Christmas house I've ever seen, we made cute little vintage-style Christmas trees. I'm now obsessed with these little bits and hope to make a few more before the holiday!

Addictive little tiny trees!
 Meanwhile, I think of all the lovelies that Susie has accumulated over the years and am in awe!



After leaving, I had a quick errand to do before setting off to the airport in Detroit to pick up Rick and head to Kevin and Molly's house. So, off I went in plenty of time. Two hours and about eight miles later, I stopped at my friends', Mark and Jan, where they took refuge on me after a harrowing ice-ride on four wheels. It was like an ice rink out there and the traffic terrible. They even closed the expressway. (Rick ended up catching a bus back and the next morning we were off to the kids!).

Our day began with a trip to IKEA, where I picked up my new chair! Well, I paid. Greg "picked it up."

 

Then lunch, some shopping, a cup of Christmas cheer and finally our Christmas Eve dinner!

 

Our host and hostess with the mostest!


And of course the next morning, a lovely breakfast and presents!


And yes, mimosas were on the menu!


Of course there was a walk, although I was really fading by then!

 

And the dogs managed to lend their own brand of enthusiasm to the day!

Lizzie was left at home. A good thing -- she might have been confused with the little stuffed cat that was drawn and quartered by Rogan and Charlie!
It was a good time, although I have to admit that I wasn't feeling well at all for much of it and really fatigued. Lung stuff kicking in again, and a pesky knee -- I have no idea what's up with that. But we keep going. Or try to!


On Monday we enjoyed an evening with friends, sharing love and laughter and jolly merriment and cheer. Judy's husband Dick took this photo of the group -- he's the guy in back who just about made it into the shot!

Photo by Dick Winter
Then my Paris friend Jerry came into town on a bit of a whirlwind visit but time enough to swap stories, memories, presents and enjoy a fun dinner out.

Photo by Judy Winter

Wednesday brings a birthday lunch with yet another friend and the last of the shopping. And Greg will be here for dinner!


Now all that's left is the wrapping!

Photo by Judy Winter
Well, wrapping and sampling the cookies!

Just a couple days till Christmas! I hope yours is merry and bright!

14 comments:

Deb said...

Wonderful photos, Jeanie. Your friend really does take beautiful pictures. Looks like you have had a fun week with friends and family. And doggies, too. Love that Lizzie. Sending a hug and wishes for a Very Merry Christmas.

Jenny Woolf said...

What a lovely cheerful post, Jeanie. I am glad that not being on top of the weather physically has not dampened your pleasure - and it sounds like a wonderfully social and convivial time you've been having, quite lovely.

I was interested to see the little Christmas car shown in one of your photos. (Or, in fact, Judy's photo) I have a small green Christmas ornament car which I bought at a Christmas market in Germany. I didn't know if they were available anywheere else, but I suppose if someone's going to manufacture Christmas cars they might as well sell them in as many places as they can!

The ice sounds scary, and you did well to bail out, I think buses have bigger and better tyres for coping with winter. I am glad we don't usually have such weather here, although when it does come, we are always woefully unprepared, most cars here don't even have chains!

Well, Jeanie, I know you will enjoy the rest of your Christmas holiday, and I will look forward to catching up again after the holiday. Merry Christmas!

Dr. Kathy McCoy said...

Your holiday sounds and looks like the best and the brightest and the warmest! Hope you're feeling better! Have a very Merry Christmas, Jeanie!

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Dearest Jeanie! HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVE! Well, it has come. Days of quiet bliss, creativity and rest. May your day lead up to many more merry and bright days in 2016!!! Anita

Joanne Huffman said...

What fun to have an extended Christmas celebration! I hope you have a Christmas that is as merry and bright as you are.

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

I'm sorry to hear that you weren't feeling well - I hope that you are on the mend. This is such a busy time of year so it seems almost inevitable that many of us will come down with something - especially people like you and me with suppressed or sensitive immune systems... Take it easy as much as you can!

You guys have got a great looking bunch of kids. The boys are so handsome and Molly is so pretty! I bet they enjoyed hosting everyone!

Merry Christmas to you and Rick! I hope your holiday is also merry and bright!

Marilyn Miller said...

Whew! I am tired just reading your adventures. Life is good when spent with family and friends. Hope you begin to feel better and the knee isn't anything more than all the running around. Sending hugs!

~*~Patty S said...

You don't let anything slow you down dear Jeanie.
Hope you are feeling tip top very soon.
Lovely festive doings in your neck of the woods.
So many great pictures and each one tells a story.
Mr Magpie and I will be celebrating our 35th anniversary in France next April (haven't told very many people about it yet).
I have always wanted to return to Paris with my liebling...
so April in Paris it will be.
Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!!!
(((Hugs))) from wet and balmy Virginia.
Fa la laaa oxo

My Grama's Soul said...

Oh Jeanie.....thanks for sharing all these lovely photos....you, my friend, are truly blessed.

Merry Christmas.

Jo

Joyful said...

You have been a busy lady. Looks like you are having a ball save for the lung and knee issues. I hope you feel better real soon. The photos you friend took are amazing. I love the ones of your cat because she seems to have such personality. So cute.

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

Sending Merry Christmas wishes your way. Hope you're feeling better and enjoying your holiday celebration.

Victoria Zigler said...

The ice part sounds scary, and I'm sorry your health hasn't been too great, but other than that it sounds like your holiday celebrations have been great so far... I hope the rest go (or went) well too!

Sally Wessely said...

It all sounds wonderful. I don't know anyone who gets into Christmas more than you do! I love it. Jeanie, you are such a treasure. Thanks for the Christmas card, and thank you for making this season really shine with all of your wonderful Christmas posts. Hugs. XO

Lynda Shoup said...

Lovely photos! I really enjoyed looking at the decorations.

I am smitten with your phrase "crafternoon"!! I can't imagine anything lovelier than having a crafternoon with friends. You have inspired me. Something to add to my list for 2016.

It looks like you are having a marvelous season. All the best.

Popular Posts