Good morning friends. This post is photo heavy.....so be prepared! The silly season is ramping up and amongst it all there are always lovely moments. Yesterday Dear Daughter and Granddaughter no.2 got stuck into our Christmas shopping. Our family find this time of year difficult as everything about it brings sharply into focus how we miss my Husband. He adored Christmas!
He was the relentless searcher of hard to find presents for the kids, the best gift wrapper, the best ham carver and maker of toasted ham sandwiches on Christmas eve with glasses of bubbles and the best chuckler over Christmas Vacation movie....another Ridgway tradition along with singing Paul Kellys...Making Gravy.
So we try and do our best to carry on. When we saw this more than life size Grinch yesterday it made us all giggle. He wasn't up for a chat with Dear Daughter lol!
Chocolate milkshakes helped us refuel!
This past weekend I went to Miss E's drum recital. I loved it. She did so well and it was great seeing how all the children had grown in ability and confidence over the last year. I know I am completely biased but she looks so at home behind her kit!
Sunday Stitchers Christmas party is always a fun highlight of the year....great fun, people and food.
Helen was busy on paparazzi duties...
Our Christmas gift this year was to fill a Christmas box with items that spelt out the word S.A.N.T.A.
Lynda was my gifter......
Can you guess what was what?
S....SASHIKO
A.....APPLE gorgeous hand carved from Tasmania
N....NEEDLES
T......THREAD
A.....ART ADDRESS BOOK
So spoilt!
We exchanged our usual Bon Bons they are always fun. I received mine from Alison.
Lots of lovely little gifts too from the girls. I think my bag was heavier leaving than when I came lol!
A really lovely day.
Art broke up too this week with a lunch time get together.
I am way.....down the back lol!
We had Secret Santa. I received a lovely leather pencil roll....perfect for my 'out and about' kit.
I've had lovely mail.....beautiful handmade cards and a sweet ornament. It's already on my Handmade Decorations tree. Thank you Ann and Karen. You are both so clever xx
I feel almost frivolous writing this post in view of recent events in my country. I sometimes don't recognise my home anymore. It is a feeling of helplessness to do anything to assist. I want to send out into the universe love and light and my deepest condolences to all those families who are suffering and hearts are broken from the evil that came to Bondi Beach in Sydney and to those selfless citizens and first responders who risked their lives for others and in some tragic instances lost their own. Sorry to end on a sad note but these people deserve not to be forgotten.
Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx
Such a horrible thing to happen, Michelle....why are some people filled with so much hate, especially at what should be such a happy time of year? At least you are enjoying love with your family and friends. Well done to Miss E, drums are not easy to play!
ReplyDeleteLove the grinch Michelle - so cool. Yes your grandaughter surely does look most at home on the drums. Well done to her. Your dress you are wearing for your stitchers get-together is really lovely - you suit those colours (maybe its a top?). Some wonderful gifts given & received.
ReplyDeleteI too was horrified when I read of the Bondi Beach killings. At exactly the same time a drunk driver was driving erratically to get away from Police, just a kilometre away from our house & he hit & killed a young Mum with her 2 month old baby in the car. So much tragedy & heartache for people - it is hard to get your head around at times. xx
It is lovely that you have such great memories of your husband's love for Christmas. He sounds like he was a lot of fun. This is our first Christmas without my dad. Some beautiful thoughtful gifts from everyone. How do you decide what pencils to take with you on the go? Do you take a limited colour palette? I have been pondering this myself lately. Good on your granddaughter taking up drums! I hope she enjoys her journey.
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely busy time Michelle and lots of beautiful memories too. The gifts you received were gorgeous and the pencil roll is going to be really useful.
ReplyDeleteI think everryone has been appalled by what happened at Bondi, just so sad especially at this time of year. xx
Lovely to see you enjoying the Festive season with beautiful memories of your husband.
ReplyDeleteMany happy outings with great gifts given and received.
Your GD looks right at home behind the drums and her recital was great.