Over the Backyard Fence

For today . . . 

We are having the warmest Christmas season ever! High winds last week caused the power company to shut down service in our area. The fire danger is at an all time high and there was fear a spark from a downed pole might cause a fire in our dry landscape. We are desperately in need of percipitation.

I am thankful . . .

For the arrival of our newest grandson! Milo Samuel was born on December 17th. He is the fifth child of Luke and Miranda, and our seventh grandchild. We will be going to see him in a couple of weeks, as soon as I get the okay to travel.

We are celebrating Christmas . . .

Quietly this year. Fewer decorations, less baking. More enjoying the tree in the evening while watching Christmas movies or reading our books. Our dairy delivers the best eggnog, and this year they’ve added cinnamon eggnog to their menu. It’s hard not to indulge, but it is the holidays, after all.

Things that made my week nicer . . .

Our neighbors make tamales every Christmas and are so generous to share. Last night, Dan and I had some for supper, then we went out to look at Christmas lights. Dan prepared the route, I brought a Christmas playlist and we explored all the neighborhoods in our town. We had hot chocolate and stopped at a bakery for cookies.

Yesterday, I went shopping with my niece. I’m all finished with my Christmas shopping, so it was fun just being along to do hers. She is interviewing for a new position, so we shopped for a new suit for her, too. It took me back to the time when suits and dresses and pantyhose were staples in my wardrobe. Where has the time gone? Then she treated me for a lunch of bloody Mary’s and appetizers. 

Christmas tea with a friend, a visit from my cousin, and some walks at the local pond to see the winter arrivals are other things that made my week.

Books I’ve read. . .

I recently finished History Matters by David McCullough. Anyone who has the slightest interest in history would love this book! We are passing it around the family.

 The Snow Goose by Paul Gallico

Writing Creativity and Soul by Sue Monk Kidd

Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy (this wasn’t exactly holiday material, but it was an interesting read on the re-introduction of wolves in Scotland, and how man and beast are really not all that different).

My reading list . . .

. . . Continues with some favorite winter reads:

Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher

Shepherds Abiding by Jan Karon

And . . .

Sod and Stubble by John Ise

Night Watch by Jayne Anne Phillips

The Last Life Boat by Hazel Gaynor

I treated myself  . . . 

To a pedicure today. And almost fell asleep during the foot massage.

Some of my favorite things . . . 

Christmas cards in the mail, exchanging treats with neighbors, the chubby squirrel that plays outside my window, Nativity sets, this new print I ordered for Christmas and hangs in our entryway.