Catching Up

It's the day after Thanksgiving. I'm getting ready to go pull out the leftovers for tonight's dinner. I did manage to go out and do some Christmas shopping today at the Super Mall. I did a quick trip to Hobby Lobby and that was really fun. Christmas was 50% off.

The Super Mall was busy, and I had to stand in the check out line at Carter's for probably over 20 minutes, but it was worth the sale.

Summer has flown by and I sit here now with our Christmas lights turned on outside. No tree up yet, maybe next Saturday. In the summer I did a quick trip to Utah the end of July. I was able to attend the temple with my college room mate Susan, take a trip up the Manti canyon to the family cabin, go four wheeling in the mountains with my cousin's son-in-law and his kids, and celebrate Natalie's birthday by having brunch at Stein Erickson Lodge in Deer Valley. It was a really fun weekend trip.

With Aunt Margaret at the Manti Cabin July 2016

In September I went to the fair with my coworker and her brother and his friend. We went to the Tim McGraw concert. It was great. I love sitting outdoors in the late summer at the fair.

Work has been keeping me busy. Wally had back surgery in mid-September. Successful surgery I should add. Looking back we now realize that a lot of his pain and limitations weren't from his arthritis, but from the pain of his pinched nerve. He's back to climbing ladders and full activity around the house.

Also, in September we had a super fun visit from my niece Serene and her family. They drove up from Sacramento. We did a fun trip up to Snoqualmie Falls. Seneca and Levi were really fun and loved watching my squirrels out the patio door.

I recently lost my Aunt Margaret. She was one of my Dad's sisters. He was the oldest of 7 and she was the second to the youngest. Living this far from family, I was unable to attend her funeral with airfare being too expensive. I really wanted to go but just couldn't make it. My cousin sent me the program and stories that were shared. I'm fortunate that I got to see her twice this year.

I love this time of the year. We had Wally's girls over for Thanksgiving dinner along with Tim and Gisele. Gisele will be turning 16 in December, it's hard to believe it's been that long. Now it's countdown to Christmas. I'm planning on enjoying the next four weeks of this holiday season.

I love the lights, the sounds, the colors of Christmas. I already have bought my Christmas cards and my Christmas postage stamps. I have things that I can start wrapping now. Next week kicks off concerts, Victorian Country Christmas and a fun filled December.

I'm excited to start making my chocolate covered caramels for the season as well as mint patties and truffles. It's a fun time of the year. We have been enjoying pretty decent weather. Some rain and lows in the 40s in the mornings.

I'm really enjoying the hummingbirds in the front of the house at the feeder. If I keep the bedroom door open, I can look out the window while standing in the kitchen and watch the cute tiny birds.

I'm taking photos when I get a chance. There have been some gorgeous sunrises on my way to work since the time change.

Here's hoping you can enjoy the next four weeks, whatever they have in store for you.