December So Far

 As usual, December was crazy busy with the Gingerbread House Party and the endless activities I do with my students. Added to that was a trip with the kids to Norris Tennessee to go to the Appalachian Museum. It was supposed to be a big deal with candle light, sorghum making, singing and a live nativity, but the whole evening program was cancelled due to rain. Still I wanted the kids to experience a bit of Appalachian life and that was accomplished. 

We rented cabins in Norris Dam State Park. Everyone converged at our cabin for supper in the evenings complete with music-

crafts-

coloring-

visiting the dam-

popcorn-

gaming-

conversation and just chillin' -

Hot chocolate -

sewing-

storytelling-

oranges with peppermint sticks-

The Appalachian Museum 

The Lenoir Museum's tribute to miners-

And a last stop, with those that remained, at this picturesque little church that sat in the side of hill. Got some of the that ol' time religion- and it is still good enough for me.  They sang seven songs. It had been a long time since I was in church with two of my kids and a passel of gramerlings, at the same time-sweet. 

Everyone headed home. Pap and I made stop at my cousin Myra's to visit, have dinner and express our sorrow at the loss of her husband Henry.

It was  a good trip and I am always thankful to the Good Lord when we come and go safely. I was glad to see a part of life our ancestors live and to be able to talk to the kids about it. Soon this generation of kiddos will be marrying and going their separate ways, so no time like the present to get it done. 

Another death of our friend Bob will take us out of town next week.  It would be sure enough sad no matter, but right at Christmas, well. 

So the usual mad rush when school ended on Tuesday to get the last things done.  Blackbean Omelets with Ol' Mother Hubbard's crew and another night of gingerbread at a local place. Stockings are stuffed, and systems are go for our Christmas Eve breakfast with my people and Christmas evening with my siblings. 

Holidays are Here

 Thanksgiving weekend was a busy one. Rae moved festivities to Ol' Mother Hubbard's since Tim and family were out of town. It was a nice afternoon. 

On Friday and Saturday we went to a couple of different markets to spell Uncle Tim selling his honey wares. I had the traditional turkey salad and soup for lunch and had Ms. Glitzy for her birthday on Sunday. My first attempt at Croque Madame- not too shabby. 

Yesterday was the Gingerbread House Party. I believe this is 38 years. I think I've made a thousand houses. 

The biggest boys got a table to themselves and built their own houses. 

When my kiddos began to outgrow the party, Jimi and Tim's boys were still small, so on it went. I told them they weren't allowed to stop coming till they could bring their own offspring. God love Jacob, he's kept to that most years. He wasn't able to come this year and a Gramerly generation has also left this tradition behind. It never gets easier for me. I miss them and now the dates to spend with them are so few. 

Still, I enjoy the ones who are here and a couple of new ones. Nothing beats the wide eyed wonder of a three year old at Christmas. 

My party photographer was MIA, so not too many pictures this year. 

I packed up the extras for a teacher at school with three littles and a basket full of candy for the next party at Jacob's Well. 

Wow, so very many people are so sick and most I know are not testing positive for Covid. Aunt Suzi Q is currently in the hospital, so prayers are appreciated.

October's End

 A very busy month. 

A sad funeral for Pete on so many levels, though Ol' Mother Hubbard did an excellent job with his eulogy. 

A trip to see Suzie Q and Stephen, the best host and hostess anywhere. 

A big deep sea fishing trip for Phil's arrival in Social Security World. 

A week of conferences that seemed to go on forever. 

Choir, yoga and a very busy school schedule. 

The fall color this year, and the weather has just been glorious. I've so enjoyed it and am always so very happy to be out with my kids. 

As unbelievable as this is, I went on vacation without my camera. I have never been able to move my phone pictures to my Mac, but the boys sent me some of fishing expedition via e-mail. 

Some days it is hard for me to wrap my head around this being the same person. My little bobberer sure grew up fast. 

These next pictures are of Ol'Mother Hubbard's annual Halloween Party.  Now her big kid's friends come and they are going all directions so I never got a picture of all of them. The ghost bubbles were a big hit from youngest to older kiddos.  

Magdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo y Calderón was in attendance. 

Hayride on the far side of the fire. 

It was a fun evening. 

Today I went to an Autumn Market set up around  the walking path of a local park. It was lovely. I bought this quite expensive candle, but it was for a good cause and was the same smell as Playdate Handsoap. Imagine my surprise when I returned to the bathroom to find the whole thing on fire. Thank God I found it when I did. Oh my, what a different result could have happened. 

Happy Fall Y'all!

Our Pete

 

This weekend I had the first time experience of stepping on a yellow jacket nest. Let's just say I wouldn't recommend it. In trying to manage the fierce itching, I purchased a bottle of Campho Phenique. I remembered as I dabbed it on, being at Pete and Kaye's with my friend Maria, covered in mosquito bites. Pete got a cotton swab and went over every last one of my bites. I smiled at that memory, not knowing what the next two days would bring. When I was eleven and Daddy had a life altering stroke, he stepped up to parent us. When Kaye begin to lose her sight and couldn't cook anymore, I returned the favor and had them to dinner every Sunday. I would make a big vat of soup so there was plenty to take home for lunches. And every single Sunday he'd say, "This is better than last week." Honey Crisp apples came out about that time and I would slice them, make a caramel sauce and toast some pecans. Both he and Kaye loved that dessert. I packed up an caramel apple bar and took it to his grieving grandchildren. He was their last grandparent, all now gone too soon. He taught us funny camp songs around many a bonfire and now I've taught them to my gramerlings. He was always a comfort when I was upset and proud of me when I did good. He came to look at every house we wanted to buy to tell me why I should or shouldn't. We would wrap presents together and make the best bows. He was one of the hardest working men I've had the pleasure of knowing and I surely wished life hadn't been so hard these last years. I know Pete, you've joined the mighty angel band and I know my people were happy to have you.

The weekend was busy with sweet weddings of two nephews, but Pete, the hurricanes and troublesome news from recent tests of people I love has left me with more sore places than those caused by wasps. 

Life

Peace like a river friends.