LOOKING FORWARD...

 

Believe it or not, 

we still haven't had our Christmas celebration with the kids.

  Our first go-round was scheduled a week before actual Christmas 

but due to illness we postponed it until two weeks after Christmas. 

 As you have probably heard, 

Northern California had some

 pretty nasty storms 

and the kids were actually put under a voluntary evacuation in their areas.

  We had some snow

 and lots of rain and high winds, 

although we didn't lose our power.

  All and all there were some

 pretty bad spots 

between where they were 

and where we are, 

so we decided 
better safe than sorry.

 
 We are now expecting 
more bad weather 
during the coming week.

We will plan again for a date that is right for the kids and their work schedules. 

 We can't help but think

 that this is the first time in over 60 years 

that we haven't spent time 

together at Christmas.

In the meantime, 

I won't take all of the Christmas decorations down for now. 

 I know that at the time up until Christmas, 

I have always been so happy to bring out all the decorations 

and always comment that I wish it could be Christmas all year long. 

 But as the new year enfolds,

 I do get antsy to put away the stuff and give everything a fresh start. 

 I will take my time packing up

 and for sure

 I will leave the trees with

 their pretty twinkle lights 

in place for as long as needed.

At this point, 

I have cleaned up the parlor mantel

 although I have left the garland, 

minus all the Christmas,

 now set up for a long winter 

with white winter berries and snowballs.

 It certainly looks like winter 

outside the Cottage 

so might as well add a little to the inside.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas

 and are in the process of

 enjoying the new year so far.

  I expect we will all have

 some unsettled weather 

throughout the rest of winter,

 but here is to being

 safe, healthy and warm inside.

...xxoJudy...

"Winter, a lingering season,

is a time to gather golden moments,

embark upon a sentimental journey,

and enjoy idle hours."

John Boswell

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