Looking Forward to This Holiday Weekend

Well, this year is different from last year... it's been a year since Kevin's dad passed away. The events of last year have played out in my mind over and over this past few days. We miss his dad.

This past weekend we celebrated my mom's 70th birthday, Kevin's 50th birthday, and Mister Man's 2nd birthday. I know! What was I thinking, planning a big birthday celebration and dinner the weekend before Thanksgiving? Well. When was I suppose to do it? I was out of town for a month, then there was strep throat in the family, and one thing after another.... Anyway. I did it, and it turned out great. I was thankful my family, friends, and the brethren had a happy occasion to come together and celebrate. Now I'm gearing up for this weekend.

Thanksgiving is my all time favorite holiday. I enjoy our old traditions and all the family time. First there is the early morning Turkey bowl (the guys go play football bright and early). Mom and I head over to my aunt's house for pumpkin pie & coffee with my Aunt's family while my turkey is roasting. After dinner, everyone gathers together for desserts with friends and family in the evening.

This Thanksgiving we are planning on going over to Aaron & Lisa's house for the dinner. There will be visiting with friends and family, and the noise of children. Oh joyful!

However, I'm really looking forward to our long weekend. It's just barely cold enough to require a fire in the wood stove, and I'm enjoying the cozy atmosphere of it all. I think we are getting up early on Friday morning and going for a walk amongst all the shoppers... Aw. The holiday music, and all the hustle and bustle of mall shoppers is always fun one day a year. A couple hours into the early morning, we'll meet up with family and friends for breakfast and coffee. I really enjoy our old traditions on Thanksgiving weekend.

With any luck, on Saturday we'll get this old home of ours decked out in our best holiday decor... one last time. I'm not really sure on this point, but we'll see. So that's how my holiday weekend is planned out...

I hope all of you, my friends, have a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend!

Storm Rolled Through

There was an autumn storm rolling through the city today. At least I hope it's rolled on through.

Andrea and I were driving through town this afternoon and Andrea took note that it looked like tornado weather. I was like... oh please don't kid about that. She assured me she wasn't kidding. We hadn't watched live tv or listened to a radio in a few days... other than to see a couple minutes of the election coverage last night. Not my idea of an election night... but I'm here. What can I say.

Anyway.... a few minutes later we passed a big sign flashing 'tornado warning'. YIKES. She was right. I guess my girl is learning to read the weather patterns pretty good.

We finished our errands, picked up the photos I had printed, and headed back home to enjoy the lightening show. It started pouring rain and hailing just moments after we got into the house. The lightening flashed and thunder crashed right around us for a few hours. The power blinked a few times, so the candles were lit and we settled in to a nice quiet family night.

Coming from the greater Seattle area, I'm not use to this, so it's nice to see it roll past. Anyway, it seems to have rolled on through.

Country Lane

What is a country drive without seeing an old pickup truck... this particular truck is restored beautifully. I love that color red!




Did I mention I love living in the country... I love the views on my drive from town to home. I'd miss this if I moved to town...

Green Pastures

I like to think the cows enjoy the views as much as I do.

The fall colors were so pretty this year. I'm glad I got out to enjoy the beauty of it all.

Fall Landscape

I was on my way home from town the other day and I had to stop and take a photo of the fresh snow in the mountains. This view is one of the things I love about living in the country.