Christmas Greetings

Merry Christmas everyone.

It has been a whirlwind of preparations and activities.  And even though I was wrapping at the last minutes, I was actually more prepared this year than any other year in the recent past.

I decorated this year, garland on the doorways, two little trees up and plugged in.  I was going to do a couple of lights outside but that did not happen, so next year.

Brian arrived on Saturday, Rob & Kate arrived on Sunday.  As referenced in the previous blog, we managed to finally get my ugly wall covered.  Still have a little trimming to finish, but it was the best present I could have received.  I will still have to cut the plywood to go under the trundle in the basement, but since it is under the mattress, no one will see if it is not perfect.

The kids have left already this morning.  They are driving to New Jersey to spend some time with their father.... one of the downsides of being kids of divorced parents.  My brother, Andy, and his wife Carol were with us last night along with their boys, Tommy and Chris.  The boys headed back to Virginia last night but Andy and Carol will be coming back this afternoon for a Christmas dinner and some conversations and spending time together.  I am hoping that we can visit more over the winter as long as travel is not impaired by snow and the like.

It is always bittersweet when they leave.  I love having my children around.  So when they leave, I usually have a few tears on my cheeks.  But it always makes the time I do have very, very special.

So to all of you, Merry Christmas.  I hope you were able to spend the holiday with family and friends.  It is a season of Peace and Goodwill.  And now... to on to 2015!!!