Long Weekends are a Good Thing

There are those who say that when you are retired, every day is part of a long weekend! But not everyone is available to play at will much of the time. Long weekends are different!

But ours actually began the week before when Ilya Kaler, a violinist now from Chicago, and Genadi Zagor, a pianist now living in Lansing (both men hailed from Russia) visited Lansing.

Rick invited them to dinner and after, Ilya joined amateur musicians Rick and Byron for some music making. It was delightful!

Our official Thanksgiving weekend was like many of yours -- filled with friends, family and celebrations. First up was Thanksgiving. My friend Kate welcomed us for a wonderful  non-turkey dinner (thank you, Kate!) and it was fabulous!

She let me bring my turkey plates and I made the place cards. Remember this image from Southern Exposure's Decorating on a Shoestring?

Well, with some pretty paper, watercolor pens and a Jack-be-Little, we had our placecards!

                         

Kate's photographer husband, Mike, and I had to have dueling camera shots!

And after dinner, a mini-concert by Rick!

We were all in a jolly mood, especially Zeke who was presented with some catnip!

On Saturday, my Cork Popper pal Barb and I hit the market for flowers and Joann's for other bits. Barb was recreating the wedding bouquet of our Cork Popper friend Meredith for her 50th anniversary to Roger.

It was a terrific occasion and a wonderful venue.

Their party was held at the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum and that is a post in itself. Let me just say that I wanted to drive out with about six of the terrific cars there. And I'm not really a car fan!

Our other Corkies were there too, so of course there was much celebration as we saluted Rog and Mere.

Then on Sunday, Thanksgiving Number 2! (How many Oberles does it take to truss a chicken for a rotisserie?)

We had much for which to give thanks this year, but at the top of our list was this little guy.

He's nearly walking. He can make it around the house with his little musical mower (and let me tell you, those songs are getting old!) but still hasn't been able to let go.

We brought him a Christmas book that makes sounds (because we are grandparents and bringing things that make obnoxious noises like "ho, ho, ho" and sleigh bells when pushed is just what we do).

There was time for play. Right after this photo was taken, the pillow was hurled across the room, causing a bit of consternation and a spill on the clean carpet. And no, our Baby Grand can't throw that far.

Molly made these cute placecards from corks. I love cork art! So versatile!

And of course, we enjoyed having the newest member of the family at the table.

All in all, good times with terrific people! Now, onward to Christmas.

(Guess who might be walking by then!)