It's been so very nice to take 5 and catch up on things. Enjoyed a very kicked back weekend with Jeff. On Saturday we lunched at Be Wok. Sunday we lunched at The Willow. We Christmas shopped for the family. Birthday shopped for Emma who spent her 12th birthday in bed with the flu. Dave popped by.... WE had a great visit.
I spent time clearing out things to be donated. We hung up winter draperies, brought out winter slipcovers. Jeff and I rearranged the living room a bit so we'll have a spot for the Christmas tree. Why so soon? Well... Thanksgiving is next week. soon after on the 2nd we'll be heading up to Sutter Creek for our joint birthday/family get-away celebration. We've been getting things together for that. We're so jazzed that we get to spend time with the kids and their kiddos, plus Paula and youngest daughter Stacy, whose just returned from Armenia having completed her time in the Peace Corps will be joining us. There is something very wonderful about spending time with those you love the most, especially, in Sutter Creek, during the holiday season. It's magical.
Of course, it's all about the food and conversation and making memories and continuing on with traditions. Dave will barbecue. Jeff will make his infamous Chicken soup. We'll lunch at the Hotel Sutter having appetizers and sampling their Beer bar- it's just down the street from our cottage. Horses drawing wagons filled with holiday revelers will be on display on Main street. Holiday shoppers will be out and about, wine tasting....
When we return Emma and Zach will be heading to our house with us as Emma, my fav interior designer (she's so very talented-- it's like having 5 granddaughter's rolled up in one. Landie is the same. We totally lucked out with these two girls), We'll be setting up Christmas trees (we have 8, I think, of varying sizes that will be scattered about). We have reindeers, snowmen, Santa's, et al) It's so much more fun when your grandchildren help. Christmas music, hot cocoa with whipped cream. I love the holidays!
I've also been writing and setting down ideas for writing projects this winter. This evening I wrapped up the remaining Christmas gifts, still more to get, but if I know Emma, and I do, she'll try to inspect an unwrapped gift, lol. But then, so will Jeff... if they happen to come across them.
It's been a productive few days and now I can just pretty much relax and enjoy the holidays.
