It is always possible
to be thankful for
what is given rather
than resentful over
what is withheld.
One attitude or the other
becomes a way of life. ~ Elisabeth Elliot
Greetings, my dear friends! It is January, and how quickly the holidays have come and gone! I hope you all enjoyed the holiday season!
I am reevaluating several things right now. I am not one to make new year resolutions but this year, decisions have to be made, and I need to take better care of myself. More about this in an upcoming post.
I still have three trees up and Hubby is happy they are still up. The Island is dealing with a lot of sickness right now so, it's nice to still have some pretty lights around. We will take our time putting Christmas decorations away. There really is no hurry.
How wonderful it was to have my Michigan family here for a few days! It had been three years since they were here. They drove all the way from MI and did just fine without running into any problems. Of course, Mama was praying that the tests would go well and the weather was good!
Unfortunately, our Christmas did not go as planned for Hubby and me! We were all supposed to go over to NB to spend Christmas with our son and his family. But I was in no shape to travel. My back has been so bad that I had to stay put and not make the two hour drive to NB. But I was thrilled that everyone else got to spend the holidays together.
My family has not spent Christmas together since 2007, so it was a great celebration. Everyone had a marvellous time!
HAPPY are they who take life day by day, complain very little, and are thankful for the little things. ~ unknown
They cooked a thirty pound turkey with all the trimmings. This is Jason, our handsome cook, gardner, meteorologist, son-in-law, and my granddaughter.
Notice how the gravy is sitting in a well made in the mashed potatoes. Jason is amazing in the kitchen!
There were mashed potatoes with gravy, root vegetables, homemade cranberry sauce, which my youngest son made, savoury dressing, and salad. Yum! I'm sorry I missed it! Most of all, I missed celebrating with everyone!
There were mashed potatoes with gravy, root vegetables, homemade cranberry sauce, which my youngest son made, savoury dressing, and salad. Yum! I'm sorry I missed it! Most of all, I missed celebrating with everyone!Jason and my youngest grandson.
Jordan and Carina who haven't seen one another in a few years. Family reunions are wonderful!
The family, minus a few of us.
Our New Year always begins with a birthday. This is my birthday bouquet; a gift from my son and his girlfriend.
We had a dangerous blizzard the other day and I made some sticky date pudding with warm toffee sauce just before it arrived. It was so good!
We got 38 cm of snow and the winds were 102 km. Those were probably the highest winds we have had in years. We didn't lose our power however which was a huge blessing! Apparently there is another one headed our way again this weekend and the winds are supposed to be even higher! I am yearning for springtime already. I think Boomer is too. Up until this year, he hasn't seen much snow because he lived in BC.
Boomer and I hope your New Year is off to a great start! Thank you for visiting and do take care.
As I live each day may I make a difference
And touch one heart....
Each day it is my goal
To bring smiles and laughter
Into a soul! ~ author unknown
Sharing from my heart ~ Sandi
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Hello dear Sandi,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry you were not able to be with your family for Christmas. I know how much you were looking forward to it. Yet your post overflows with happiness that the others could be together. I hope your back pain can be resolved.
The sticky date pudding looks delicious. I'm going to look for a recipe for that as it is something we would enjoy.
I hope that the new year brings you much joy!
Lorrie
Such a lovely post. So happy the family was able to be together after so long, but I am very sorry you were not able to be there too. Glad they sent lots of pictures. Praying that your back issues can be resolved someway. Also that the families can come to you to visit as they are able and you are up to having them. Sending warm (((hugs))) to you, and a prayer for you as the weather continues to act like winter! I know you will be happy for spring when it arrives. It was good to hear from you, and I love your sweet spirit in the face of disappointment. Praying for God's blessings of good health and strength and joy in the New Year.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures. Happy New Year! Best wishes.
ReplyDeleteOh, Sandi. I am so very, very sorry that you have been in pain and are suffering. It sees it is always be worse (mentally) when it happens at gathering times/holidays/special times.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful, though, that so many of your family could make it and spend Christmas together.
I love that sweet little Boomer-What a sweet face!
Praying that you heal and are soon out of pain. xo Diana
That was a most lovely post, Sandi. So sorry you have been having trouble with your back. We are expecting the onslaught of a major winter storm this coming weekend, as well, and temps are predicted to plunge down into single digits again. Bummer. But soon we can look forward to yellow daffodils and tulips, right? At least we can dream! ha! Hope you have a good rest of the week.
ReplyDeleteI hear you, Sandi. Christmas didn't turn out the way we hoped it would. I hope that resting well is helping your back to feel better. And yes, we kept our tree and window lights up right til this past week. I've been in no hurry to have them packed away.
ReplyDeleteBless you, friend, as you make decisions in the days to come.
Sorry that you weren't able to join the NB Christmas celebration. But I'm glad you finally saw your son after 3 years.
ReplyDeleteI think a lot of folks are keeping up their Christmas decorations to help them get through this second loooong pandemic winter. I've taken my trees down, but look forward to putting up my Valentine teawares.
Oh Sandi, I’m so very sorry that you couldn’t be with your family. I know how much you wanted to, but thank you for sharing the joyful pictures of everyone having a wonderful time. All the food looked exceptional! I am so happy that you did get to see your son after three years! Your sticky toffee pudding looks so good, and your birthday flowers were so pretty. I hope that your back issues will improve. God bless you, Sandi. Love and hugs are sent to you.
ReplyDeleteThe food looks delicious! Sorry to hear your back is bothering you. I hope you are feeling better. Happiest New Years to you and your family!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Sandi, I'm so sorry that you've been under the weather with your back! I know how much being with family means so much. Such a beautiful family gathering they had, and that lovely turkey dinner plate looked so good! Your date pudding sure looks delicious too! I heard from my family about how bad the storm was on PEI. I hope that the next storm is not as bad as they say its going to be. I never will forget the stiff winds on PEI. I'm grateful living here in Idaho that we don't get much wind with our storms. The wind does so much damage. I enjoy seeing the snow fall gently, its so beautiful, but the wind can really cause problems. Stay safe and warm dear friend! Much love to you!
ReplyDeleteFriend, I've been slow getting around to the blogs. I am sorry about your back and that it kept you from being with your family. So thankful to hear you had your own visit with your Michigan family!
ReplyDeleteSandi, sorry you weren't able to make the trip as planned. Sounds like you are keeping your wonderful positive attitude going strong. Loved this quote: "HAPPY are they who take life day by day, complain very little, and are thankful for the little things." ~ unknown - That is what I try to do. Thank you for your beautiful blog that always leaves me feeling as if I've had a refreshing mini-vacation.
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