Last night was the first in a long time that I finally got a decent night's sleep. I find that sleep is often a topic of conversation at my age, among friends and family. Funny how things circle around. It was the same when we had new babies. "Does he sleep?" For me, poor sleep seems to come in phases. I usually sleep pretty well, but then I'll get into a week or two where it just doesn't come easily -- falling asleep, waking in the middle of the night and not being able to go back.
It's been over a week since I've blogged, so like sleep it's sometimes hard to get back into it.
Thanksgiving was lovely. There were seven of us -- Marcus and the kids cancelled at the last minute due to a poorly-feeling Bentley -- so around the table were Dad and Carol, my brother Mark, nieces Brandi and Elsa, and of course Dan and I. Oh, and Tommy came by for appetizers, before dinner at his house with extended family. It was different than the old days, which we seem to lament about a lot -- the way holidays used to be. And yet, it occurs to me that we are creating some pretty nice memories right now. Brandi, who is in her first year residency, has been on a tight schedule. So when she came late Wednesday to stay the night and help with preparations the next morning, we spent the evening relaxing with pizza, wine and a movie. Thanksgiving Eve has always been a holiday of sorts in my mind, and it was fun to have her and Dan and me, kicking it off with one of my favorite Christmas movies, The Family Stone.
Thursday morning, the three of us started early in the kitchen, Dan at the sink cleaning up as we went. We had the traditional dinner, the girls made pie and cheesecake for dessert, and it was a nice day.
Today. . . the tree is up, but not decorated yet. I'm going to set up the Christmas village. It's a sunny day, but gray, heavy skies over the mountains portend a storm later tonight. A bird walk that was scheduled for tomorrow morning has been cancelled. I'm looking forward to a day tucked in at home.
Ending on a silly note. Saturday, Kathy and I went to do a little Christmas shopping, and got carried away in the tree topper section of our local home store.
Happy Advent everyone.
Sounds like you had a lovely Thanksgiving! Ours was very small - just me, my aunt and my mom. My husband and uncle were both sick. And now, my aunt and uncle both have the flu and me and my hubby have Covid! Tis the season for all kind of viruses.
ReplyDeleteYou are so lucky to have best friend to be silly with!
ReplyDeleteThat's a cute picture. Glad you had a nice Thanksgiving. Yes, holidays can still be nice and memorable, even as they change. I have trouble sleeping sometimes too, so you have my sympathy and understanding. We are having quite a snow storm here tonight, so it will probably come your way tomorrow. I hope you have a good week. Stay warm and cozy.
ReplyDeleteI love this post so much. I love your thoughts on how we celebrate holidays with our grown children. And I also always think of Wednesday night as a holiday of sorts too! Have a cozy evening, my friend.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you had a lovely Thanksgiving. Family celebrations change as our children grow up have families of their own.
ReplyDeleteLove the photo of you and Kathy having fun together while shopping. A little silliness is a good thing.
Have a good week.
Sounds like you had a lovely Thanksgiving and yes the Eve of a special day is part of the whole thing. Hope your sleep improves.
ReplyDeleteSleep, the ever present topic. I think I've far too often blogged about stalking sleep. Your problem with it sounds much as mine. Good sleep begets good sleep and insomnia begets insomnia. I've found that when I have an early appointment away the next morning I can just about guarantee a problem sleeping. Or company supposed to come in with much to do, the same thing.
ReplyDeleteLamenting the Thanksgivings of the Old Days, I hear you, dear! You're so right though, the present ones are shining moments too--and one day we'll miss them. You still had a pretty full table though! I hope the little one feels better now. Lovely that your niece was there to share Thanksgiving Eve with you. Family Stone is one of my favorite Christmas movies too. I used to have a heavy heart watching it, knowing the end but now I understand the joy of that ending, knowing the family would go on gathering, something dear to every mother's heart. Please tell Dan that RH did his share of washing dishes on Thanksgiving Day too. What would we do without their help? Bless them!
Sweet picture of you shopping for tiaras for the Christmas tree!
I read above that Melanie and her husband are now sick, what a time of so many respiratory illnesses.
Best to you in the Christmas season,
Dewena