Friday Fragments

Welcome to my front yard. Isn't it beautiful?? When we got up this morning it was snowing slightly. I had an early morning {7:15} breakfast date with some of the "Loser Housewives". It snowed all through breakfast and I had to brush my car off when I left the restaurant for a pedicure and manicure appointment. After all, I will probably be wearing sandals in Las Vegas next week. LOL I enjoyed an idyllic two hours being coddled, came out in my flip flops to four inches of snow. Let me tell you that wasn't fun, brushing all the snow off my car and driving home with freezing feet.

The snow has stopped for now and the sun is out. It sure is pretty around here even if we're not terribly thrilled with the cold. Jim is getting the snow blower out of the garage and going to work pretty soon. I wanted to get a couple of pictures while it was still pristine and unspoiled.

Here's Homer (my car).

This shot of my bird feeder was taken from the dining room window. If the bird feeder looks odd, it's because Jim and our resident squirrel have been having a war. Jim keeps adding extensions to the pole, and Mr. Squirrel keeps crawling out there and getting into the feeder. I think we'll have to give in and buy one of those expensive "squirrel proof" feeders.

Jim has finally finished painting the upstairs bathroom. We had a serious discussion about the colors I had chosen and, of course, I got my own way. Well, you've heard the saying, "Be careful what you pray for". Oh my!!! When I get the room all put back together again, I'll post a picture and you'll see what I mean. I will admit it's getting a little better with time, but I think I'll need to wear my sunglasses when I go in there.

Cheryl's Random Tuesday post was all about Thanksgiving; memories, traditions, favorite foods, plans and what she's thankful for. She challenged us to write about our take on those things. So, Cheryl my dear friend, here we go:

A Tradition - I guess the tradition that sticks in my mind{and, sadly, is no longer} was the day after Thanksgiving shopping trip with my mom. My mom was legally blind and depended on me to help her with her shopping. We would leave early in the morning. We had a favorite spot for breakfast and a wonderful lunch place. We had such a good time on those days. In the early days of my marriage, it was just mom and me. As the girls grew older, they were invited. I remember one time when we took my mom's sister, my Aunt Jessie as well as the girls. My aunt had terrible rheumatoid arthritis and didn't get out much. We had the best time. I remember laughing and laughing.

Many of our old traditions have changed since my mom passed away and my MIL has moved to an assisted living facility. We make the most of the times we have together and I believe new traditions are being formed. Nevertheless, it is sad to let go of the old ones.

A favorite memory: Oh my gosh, there are so many wonderful memories associated with this holiday {one of my favorites}. I think one of the best is making Indian headdresses with my nephews and my girls. What a very simple project, but one that just delighted the kids. My girls were pretty little the first year we did them and the boys were so patient with them.

When the girls got older, we began a tradition of making a Christmas decoration during that visit. My MIL was such a talented and "crafty" woman. The girls just loved the time spent doing crafts with her and their great grandmother.

Favorite food: Once again, that is really hard to choose. I think that even though I like it all, I am most fond of mashed potatoes and my MIL's turkey gravy. The best part was always about 9 o'clock in the evening when we dragged everything back out and made hot turkey sandwiches, mashed potatoes and lots and lots of gravy. OHHHH! the heartburn.

Plans for this year: Well, last year Jim and I stayed home alone and had a quiet Thanksgiving dinner. It was really lovely and I didn't mind one bit. After all, he's my best friend. BUT this year we decided that we want to spend the holidays with our kids. So, we are going to Las Vegas to have Thanksgiving with Brian and Gretchen. Given all that snow outside, we are quite anxious to go. We are hoping to make a trip to Chicago for part of the Christmas holiday. All-in-all, things look pretty rosy for holidays.

Five things I'm thankful for: It's hard to narrow it down to five. Let's say five OF the things I'm thankful for. I know we aren't supposed to use the generic friends, etc., but they are included.

1. There was a piece in the local newspaper asking for people to submit in five words what they are thankful for and I said, "The joy of the Lord".

2. I am so thankful for 40 years, both bitter and sweet, with my dear husband.

3. Friends, both near and far, who make my life so meaningful. That includes you dear friends in blogland.

4. Being able to walk.

5. Starbuck's Peppermint Mocha, available only during the Christmas Holiday season.

6. I'm sorry, but I have to add this one. Free popcorn on Tuesdays at the Regal Cinema.

Okay, guys. I think that's it for this Friday. Our flight to Vegas leaves at 6:45 on Monday morning which means we need to leave the house at 4:30. I will probably post sometime next week from Nevada where it's 75 degrees, but for now I'll leave you with my best wishes for a wonderful weekend and a Happy Thanksgiving.

~hippo hugs~