December

I know, I know. It’s been a little over a week since I last posted. I honestly don’t know how you retired ladies do it. It seems that we run, run, run all of the time since Dennis stopped working. Of course this was an extra busy week. Alex and his family arrived last Wednesday night as scheduled and left this past Wednesday. They are now back home into normal life.  We had an absolutely wonderful time, but I don’t have a lot of photos to show for it. It seems that little Baby J made her way into almost every photo I took. Imagine that! And since I can’t post photos of her online, it makes it a bit difficult. Suffice it to say she was the entertainment for everyone this week including Miss Piper. We ended up having 23 people for Thanksgiving dinner and everything was delicious. We ate pie for several days afterwards and enjoyed the leftovers most of the weekend. Plus I have some turkey frozen to use later in pot pies, soup, etc.

I did get a little bit more done on my Christmas socks. I am working on turning the heel right now. I’m still hoping I get them finished and be able to wear them for Christmas. We shall see, it’s not looking too promising right now.

I’m still working on another Christmas present that is going to take all of my time between now and then. I have high hopes, but I seem to have hit a wall with not really wanting to knit or crochet. I don’t think I could possibly be burnt out, I love it too much. It’s just that there are so many things to do around here that are fun, I don’t want to sit in the apartment and watch TV. Also, the hospital has asked me if I would make some port protectors for people undergoing chemotherapy. They have provided the fabric and stuffing. I told them it would be after the first of the year, but then I will get some of those done.

Here’s a photo of our youngest, Alex, with grandma in her apartment. I just love this boy. I guess he is a man now, but he’ll always be my baby.😍 And she looks pretty good for 86 doesn’t she? She spent the day with us on Thanksgiving and then again all afternoon on Sunday. She was pretty tired after that. We took her to a doctors appointment yesterday and then out to lunch. She had such a wonderful time meeting her new great-grandchild and Alex got to spend more time with her on this visit than he has in years. That meant a lot to both of them. She still absolutely loves her new apartment and wishes she had moved there years ago. We are very glad she’s happy and still only 10 minutes away from us.

Miss Piper turned out to be an absolutely astounding babysitter for Baby J. When she wasn’t at school or asleep in bed at night, you would certainly find her with her baby. And Baby J loved her right back. She would look for Piper. I’m sorry I had to block her face out, but just know she is one of the most beautiful babies I have ever seen. Piper not only gave her her bottles but fed her solid foods while the baby was in piper’s old highchair. She did a great job. I think Mandy is signing her up for a babysitting class next summer and I think she will be in high demand. 💜 Just look at the beautiful hair on Baby J.

These two I’ve been having the time of their lives. They have been together every day for the last 10 days. Today will be the first day since last Tuesday but they have been apart. Look how they even sleep in the same position. They also love the baby and just wanted to play with her.

I wanted to show you a Christmas wreath that I made for mom during a craft day here last week. I forgot to take a photo of it though. I’ll try to remember next time I go over there and put it in my next post. I also put up our decorations here in the apartment and tonight when the lights are on I’ll take photos of those for you. It’s not nearly as many as we had in the house but still it’s some of our favorite things.

I do have news. I will be taking a trip to London to babysit a precious little baby next month. I will leave January 15 and I won’t be back until February 10. It’s a long time to be gone but when you know your kids need help you do what you can. I’m looking forward to being away from the cold and snow of the Midwest to a more temperate climate in London, but I know I’m going to miss everyone here, especially Dennis. He is staying home with Zoey and to watch over his mom. That will be strange in and of itself. However I got a very, very good deal on my airline ticket so I can’t complain. And how could I complain anyway, when I get to cuddle that sweet baby for over three weeks?

I hope you are all having a wonderful start to December. We had just a skiff of snow and freezing rain on Monday but it was gone by that night. Today is very warm and tomorrow is supposed to be in the 50s again. If it could be like this all winter long, I would be one happy girl. Take care everyone.

Blessings and love,

Betsy