Merry Christmas From all of us!!

This is the group getting ready to come down the hallway this Christmas morning to see what "Santa" left and enjoy some good food and sharing of gifts. What was amusing was how Big R and I were almost to go back to sleep as we had already been up since 4am---Big R insisted that he had to make lots of things ---me I just couldn't sleep. He began grinding coffee beans etc. and I asked him to wait another couple hours but he was not deterred! After the coffee it was on to the stuffing balls and pie and clam chowder. Meanwhile I was doing the worrying thing which never leads anywhere--remembering friends lost recently and some sad family issues going on with extended loved ones.

But yay for the kids ---Gander called out that weren't 're we going to carry on the tradition of coming down the hallway with the pets and all to see the gifts that Santa brought! We got ourselves into gear and re-enacted the Christmas morning ritual of doing that. First we had to corral the not so willing dogs and cat to play along. Great fun in the end and just what Santa ordered to keep the holiday spirit alive and well:)

It was a very loving day and our dear friend Barb (who recently lost her daughter) joined us for the day as is our tradition. We had our clam chowder/potato leek soup early and then had a lovely pork roast/lentil loaf dinner later in the day. I will cherish these memories from Christmas 2010 with our son and his wife being home (last year they spent the holiday in China) and with our friend Barb. Monday they go on to Portland to continue Christmas celebrations with Goose's family who are also very close:)

May Peace, Joy and Justice find a way to all parts of the earth in some small way in 2011!