Good morning, everyone.

Today is the third of February. Time continues to fly by. Our winter, so far, as just been a roller coaster ride. Super cold weeks, above average weeks and average days here and there. And we have had all three in one week. But the best part, at this point, not much snow. So if you can handle the cold, you can get out and about. And it helps knowing it soon will be spring. I for one can’t wait. I long for “sit on the deck” days watching the world go by. But for now, we sit in front of the fireplace chatting about if we should plant green beans this year or if we should try a different spot for the tomatoes. I am trying to decide if want to plant some knockout roses and if so, where. I got a gift card to Earl May for my birthday and some cash, so I am having fun planning spring planting time. I think I have spring fever or cabin fever. Or both.

The holidays were different for us this year. Daughter number 1, who normally hosts the family Christmas along with her husband, had back surgery two days before the party. She had been dealing with a disc issue for a few months. The Doctor insisted on her trying therapy, shots, meds with no results, and finally the Wednesday before party time, the Doctor decided to do surgery the next morning.

So daughter number 3, who lives in the same area, stepped up and hosted the party. Her home is smaller but it all worked out fine. We also had our first Christmas with a little one in on the fun. Great granddaughter Lucy, 3 monts. She did super and was so good. You know a smaller house with 32 people can get rather loud at times. But it didn’t seem to bother her. We didn’t have a gift exchange this year. We passed the hat for donations and instead we had a tournament of red cup stack. The winner got to choose the charity for the donation. A local charity was chosen as the recipient. There was lots of food to eat throughout the day, with pizza (7 large) for supper. And the daughter who had the back surgery, was able to come for a part of the fun.  

We started this year off with all of the daughters, except one, making it home to help celebrate my birthday. It was so fun to listen to them tell about growing up in this small town and reminiscing.

Next gathering will be Easter.

Hope spring is here by then. Stay warm until then.

Rose