Yep, it is NOW winter! LOL! It will be coming in with a bang for sure. BUT the good part is - this is the shortest daylight day, and they will slowly start getting longer!!!!!! YAY
It looks like the snow will start a little earlier here than they thought tomorrow early evening. That means it will be departing earlier as well. My area is kind of on the cusp of the BIG snow area. Here is hoping it isn't too bad. Friday our high will be about 14*(F) and Saturday the high is predicted to be 7*!!!!!
We go Thursday from rain to snow and from close to 40* to 4* to wind and yucko all in a few hours. That is just messed up!!!!!! LOL
I told you that my sibling Christmas dinner was on the 11th. It is always a nice time, and we have a great luncheon, and we exchange our little gifts. It gives us time, as adults, with no kiddos around, to just sit back and talk and reminisce. My sister always hosts it. I think she does pretty darn good for 91!
Here we are for our traditional yearly Christmas picture together. I try every year to make sure we get that one picture of all of us - you just never know. Pictured - my brother - sis - me.
This is the first year that I have not been rushing around at the last minute. It is really nice. I will go out today and drop off gifts for Sunday's get together at brothers - just in case I decide to stay home due to weather.
I will be making more storm preps. I am going to put a litter box in the greenhouse - hopefully they will use it. They are so used to going outdoors.
Yes, the greenhouse is heated, and they have a heat pad under lots of blankets and there are 4 heated water bowls outside and in the greenhouse. (birds and squirrels use 3 of those as well).
I need to fill an ice cream bucket with ice melt - not that it will work much, with the temps.
Feeders for birds and squirrels all will be filled.
Boots out and ready, as well as under leggings.
I guess I am about as ready as I can be. I sure hope it is not as bad as first thought.
Prayers everyone stays safe and warm - no matter where you are. It is OK to reschedule your festivities if the weather is too bad!!!!!!!!! Any day can be a festive day - and people stay safe. You can spend the day privately reflecting on the meaning of the day.
I will be back tomorrow for a last post of the week! Sunday's normal post will be on Monday next week.
Have a good day all - hunker down and stay safe!!!!
Christmas bit:
Remember leaving cookies and milk out for Santa? Once in a great while, Daddy would say, Santa surely gets tired of milk - so a little Coke (bottled) would be left out! Guess Dad was in the mood for a Coke!!!!! We very seldom got them - only the little bottles now and then at the holiday.
Now and then I would leave a carrot or two out as well for the reindeer - I figured they got hungry from all that work! LOL
I would still love to see life through the same eyes I did back then. I know I had a good childhood, and many didn't. May those who didn't, see visions of Santa and reindeer and love this year!!
You are ALL loved!
You wisely wrote: "It is OK to reschedule your festivities if the weather is too bad!!!!!!!!! Any day can be a festive day - and people stay safe. You can spend the day privately reflecting on the meaning of the day." YES! : ) I love that, it's better to be safe at home and reschedule! There is such Peace in that. Our oldest daughter gladly rescheduled her potluck for lunch at our suggestion on Friday and that gave such a peace in my heart. We were dreading having to drive at night especially in this weird weather. She said whoever wants can stay and play games and stuff if they want but I want to be home at dark!
ReplyDeleteWe're usually at my mil's house for Christmas but we do our little family Christmas on Jan. 1. It works well that way. : ) I wish my mil would do the same! Maybe she will...Hmmmmm
I am gleaning from the tips. Great advice on the warm water dripping and septic issues too. All the tips are great to know and very helpful...Heating pads and convenient litter box for the stubborn kitties, that is really a good idea. Gotta go fill my bird feeders again today make sure our little birds have their food.
Have a wonderful dreamy day Cheryl, I've got all my Christmas lights on here enjoying those too. : )
I wish more people realized it is OK. I want my family safe and healthy and alive - not a statistic! Nice that your daughter changed up plans. I do not like to be out after dark ever!!! It just isn't safe on any given day!
DeleteI THINK "the kids" will be up on the 8th of Jan. That will be our celebration. They have their kiddos for Christmas, then well, there is NY eve! So odds are it will be later - I don't care. I just want hugs!
My lights come on as soon as I get up each morning and stay on till bedtime! I love it.
For anyone who is travelling on snowy, icy roads, please be sure to have chains for your tires. Black ice happens. Chains save lives. They did in Colorado when my youngest was a baby and all the cars were slip sliding away on the roads.
DeleteI'm enjoying the twinkling lights of the little tree Hubs put up (to surprise me) while I was napping on Sunday. We keep it on from morning until bedtime, too. He's a sweety. I think I'll keep him. --Elise
Oops. I mean maybe my mil will have hers for lunch not the 1st. lol
ReplyDeleteGot it - it would be nice
DeleteLooks like you have your storm preps well in hand. It just makes sense to reschedule holiday celebrations when the weather is going to be this dangerous.
ReplyDeleteTotally OT, but Husband's oral surgery went well yesterday. Such a big relief! Took 5 minutes to get the two teeth out after waiting for an hour for the novacaine to thoroughly take effect. Thanks for all the suggestions on food. He had malt-o-meal and a scrambled egg this morning and mashed potatoes/gravy, applesauce and yogurt last evening. Now we're just waiting for the snow storm like everyone else.
YAY - so happy the surgery is over and that all went well.
DeleteGlad you have a variety of goodies he can eat. There is really a lot - you just have to maybe blend some stuff. Bro likes soup beans a bit pureed for easy eating. Throw is some cornbread, and it gets soft, and he is a happy camper!
Stay safe and warm!
Glad the surgery went well, Frances.
DeleteI will echo your & Amelia's sentiments re: rescheduling. Is that not hope that there will be another day? It's -40C here today. A friend was going to join me for the annual outdoor solstice fire, supper & a card game. That won't be happening. Instead, I'll have a fire in the wood stove and reflect on darkness giving way to light and the new beginning with the winter solstice. Merry Christmas, Cheryl and all.
ReplyDeleteYes mam - that is HOPE in the truest since. I like that.
DeleteEnjoy your indoor fire and stay warm. The new seasons always bring hope and encouragement to me. There is always something to look forward to. Thank you and Merry Christmas to you.
Here in northern Wisconsin it is already cold and we're preparing for lots of snow, winds and colder! I was planning to drive to my sister's in Indiana on Thursday, not happening now!! I'm not in any rush, so will stay put until weather cooperates, probably Monday. I don't mind spending Christmas with my kitty! Stay warm and be careful going outside.
ReplyDeleteI have heard it is going to be bad north of here. I hope you don't get too much snow. The cold weather is going to be just brutal in some places. Stay in and snuggle with your baby. Have a safe trip when you go!
DeleteWhat a great photo and lovely tradition! Lynn Ewing
ReplyDeleteThank you - it is just each holiday is special to me and I want a great picture of us all.
DeleteOh, Cheryl, that blankie is adorable! It looks so soft and warm! Thank you for posting a picture of you and your sibs. How wonderful to be able to enjoy the season with them. You are truly blessed.
ReplyDeleteOur youngest was born on winter Solstice, so it always has special meaning to me. He was our miracle baby. Long story, but people as far away as Africa prayed him into this world. 30 years old today!!! Did I ever mention that when my FIL and MIL were still alive, we have 8 December birthdays in the family? And 2 anniversaries between Dec. 28th and Jan. 5th (ours)? Thankfully, as the kids grew, we all decided to scale back and did name draws for gifts. But once upon a time, I had more than 30 people to get gifts for. How on earth did we do it?
I echo all of the sentiments here. Christmas can be enjoyed simply and safely. If you're alone, put on some Christmas music and/or watch a sweet Christmas movie. Enjoy some hot cocoa. Take a long, hot bath. Put on your most comfy sweats and fuzzy socks. Cry a little if you need to (some of us have lost loved ones), but be grateful for shelter, warmth and food. I know that sounds trite. And I get it. But Christmas can still be special in its own way. Prayers it finds you all well and comfortable. --Elise
Nothing trite about it!!!!!!! It is so true. I keep thinking of all the people who are homeless now and I have prayed so hard, that they will find and reach out for shelter during this horrid weather. I can not even imagine.
DeleteWe are so stinking fortunate. Yes, I have spent a couple Christmas's alone (during the past couple yrs.) and it is fine. Cuddle up, a book or movie, a nice drink and tears - it sure as heck is OK to cry. Sometimes things just don't seem fair - but it is life. We get through each day as they come and we will get through the holidays as well.
Hugs to all.
The photo of you and your siblings is lovely! It's nice you're close to one another and able to get together.
ReplyDeleteI do agree, that rescheduling can definitely work. We did it in 2020 when our gatherings were to be limited - so we celebrated a week early. This year, we may push it back a day or so because of the weather. Not entirely certain yet - my son has Monday and Tuesday off so it won't be a problem.
Thank you. We are pretty darn close.
DeleteThe day doesn't matter - just being together is what it is all about. Glad you can have the rime to push it back a little. Stay warm.
The blanket looks so snuggly! Great pic of you and your siblings! Yes to rescheduling as needed, too.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much on both counts! I love how so many agree staying safe is more important.
DeleteHi all!! Finally home today after several days of appointments and errands. I'm exhausted, but now I have to tidy up my messy house and start some crockpot chili for dinner tonight.
ReplyDeleteWe're pretty set for weather, but the stores were sure crowded with people stocking up. It always makes me laugh to see men with a case of beer, a pile of snacks, and batteries probably for a remote. They will not be missing college bowl snacks due to weather!
We were just buying the deals, as usual.
Nothing else to do this week so we're home to hibernate until church on Sunday.
Glad you are home and back to normal. It is funny the things people buy! Yep, like they will be in for the next month or something!
DeleteHiberenating sounds wonderful to me!
Nice picture of you and your sister and brother. I think I would like a warm fuzzy nap blanket, too! Hubby and I have both been very nostalgic lately remembering all the wonderful Christmases past and things our parents did to make it special. It is sad that kids don't really appreciate their parents until it is too late.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteWe grow too soon old and too late smart! Indeed we do. I sit and remember back as well. It is not the same today.
Memories are great - thank goodness we have that ability.
Hugs.
We had to reschedule Christmas one year - the road to son's house was ice and he said Do Not Try It.
ReplyDeleteToday I delivered the neighborhood treats ahead of the bad weather. Hope I get to work tomorrow and class in the afternoon, but can't tell in advance. Maybe, if I get out, I can buy flashlight batteries - I keep forgetting to do that!
That's a great pic, Cheryl! I'm the last one of my sibs still alive, so treasure the ones you have, folks. They are gone too soon. It's a strange feeling to be "the old one" in the family.
Be safe, be warm, be well, Blessed Christmas to all.
MaryB in NC
Rescheduling is just smart at times. I think this is one of those times for many.
DeleteGood luck on working and class. Just stay safe.
Thanks. I am the youngest of the siblings. But I know what you mean about being the older one - that is me in the neighborhood now! I am the old timer!!!!! Been here longer than any of the neighbors on my street.
Stay safe my friend - Merry Christmas.
I love the backing fabric on the quilt! Gonna be so cuddly. Good genes run in your dna. My older sibs are 81 and 78 and are both in Cali. We made an early holiday trip last month to see them and avoid the busi-ness of later dates. Gotta see them while we have them.
ReplyDeleteI made some albondigas soup today…so easy and welcome in this cold.
Your kitties have it so cozy, too. I’m happy for them.
Home IS best.
I love those cute little Coke bottles…my grandad used to always have them. Guess it went well with his chewing tobacco (lol)
Thank you for all the interesting reads throughout the year. I’ll be thinking of you and your kitties the next few days.
Mary in OK
Thank you - it sure feels cuddly to me. I have always said I thought we had good genes. My brother is 81 and sis is 91. Big range in our ages. Sis had 3 kids before I was born!!!
DeleteYour soup soups comforting. I made chili this week as my comfort food!
Glad you got to visit with your siblings. Yes indeed, we need to spend time while we can.
Thanks. I hope we all continue to be here in the upcoming year.
It is sure going to be cold - prayers for everyone.
Glad to hear that you have made preparations for your furry friends; hope that you all stay safe during this impending blast. Loved your family photo and the cute blanket. Merry Christmas to all.
ReplyDeleteI just keep thinking about all the wild animals in nature - squirrels, birds, bunnies, etc. Poor babies.
DeleteMy mind has been so worried about all the homeless in the city. I sure hope they all find shelter - this is life threatening.
Thank you so much.
Merry Christmas to you.
Very cute blanket! I think homemade blankets are an absolute treasure! I cherish the one my grandma made me. And yes, better to be safe than sorry with the holiday gatherings. We have had to schedule one of ours out until New Year’s Eve because of scheduling conflicts, but it’s ok. We just all want to be together. And your sister in hosting in her 90’s? Amazing! You all look so great! I know you cherish that time together. Sure hope you and the kitties stay warm!
ReplyDeleteThanks. It is a simple blanket - but it has a lot of special meaning with the fabrics in it.
DeleteI agree - stay safe. We want to all be together, but not at a hospital or funeral -- in the event someone gets hurt in all this.
Sis, is pretty darn amazing. She has a bundle of kids and grands and generally has at least one or 2 family meals at her house every month. She is definitely like our mom!
Thanks - you stay safe as well.
Someday, I wish you would show us the pictures of your greenhouse with dimensions. I want a greenhouse so much. Your cats are very lucky to have a heated place to sleep! That greenhouse is probably better than some people have to sleep.
ReplyDeleteIt is a good idea to get a picture every year of your siblings for posterity's sake. A hundred years from now, people will be interested and fascinated.
It has not been above freezing here for almost three days, not even near freezing, but well below. And, this is the warm south.
I will do that as soon as it warms up some. I agree and have said that before - that the cats have a nicer place than many people.
DeleteIt is still cold here as well. Hasn't been even close to 32 since evening of last Thursday. It will be much nicer by the end of the week.