NEW TRADITIONS...

 

Last year we didn't celebrate Christmas until some time in February,

 and we had such a good time

 when it did happen, 

we decided that we might make it

 a new tradition in the family. 

 We had our Thanksgiving dinner and my birthday celebration this passed weekend.  

Seriously, 

it may not become a family tradition 

but when traveling and job related 

time is involved 

we do it when we can

 and it doesn't lose any of the 

significance or happiness

 no matter when it happens.

The kids all supplied the Thanksgiving and birthday staples 

and we provided the table, chairs,

 potatoes and gravy. 

 It was so good to be together.  

The only downside to it all was that

 Jacenda stayed home 

fighting allergies and a bad cold 

and Tami and Tim had 

to take a detour to get home. 

 They left the Cottage around 3 PM 

and didn't get home until 10 PM 

so it turned into a

 very long day for them.

I always try to have 

a little homemade something of Christmas for the girls to take home with them 

and this year I painted 

quilt squares and snowflakes 

in their favorite colors. 

 The snowflakes are sparkly 

but you can't tell in the photo.

Jake and Jacenda gave me 

this pretty coffee table book

 about plants and flowers.  

Did you know that the common sunflower starts out its day facing east 

and as the day progresses 

the stem turns and by sunset

 it is facing west.  

The head of the flower

 and the roots do not move, 

just the stem rotates and follows the sun.  

I did not know that fact

 and find it fascinating.  

See, I didn't just look at the pretty pictures and I'm taking a wild stab 

that this is why it is called a sunflower. 

 It seems like something 

I should have known 

but I had never heard of that. 

 I'm sure those of you 

who are avid gardeners have.

This bright bouquet came with the dinner

 as a birthday surprise

 from Tami and Tim. 

 Its timing was perfect 

as we had a dark, dreary, cold and rainy day.

  I turned 84 years young 

this past Tuesday. 

 It sounds soooo old 

but I have to tell you, 

I am so happy to be celebrating it.

 I have lost a couple of girl friends 

and a few family members 

who weren't so lucky to reach this age. 

I will admit that I am slowing down 

but it has been 

an enjoyable experience so far.  

We all need to slow down a bit 

no matter what the reason.

 Age is just a number

 and I am beginning to treat it

 with the respect it deserves.

I hope you all had a Happy Halloween.  

We had a lot of happy trick or treaters 

and some candy left over

 for the rainy days!

  

I moved the beautiful orchid 

over in front of the mirror. 

 I'm thinking that these old house windows

 might be too drafty during the winter. 

 It seems to be still thriving.

I want to thank Linda at Life and Linda 

for sharing my last post on her party,

 Love Your Creativity.

Until next time...

May your dreams be of all good things...

Joy is on the way.

...xxoJudy...

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Love Your Creativity at Life and Linda