Sunday in the south up to the north

We got on the road at 6:20am and drove for awhile and then stopped at a Dunkin for coffee and donut.  We drove for about four hours and then stopped at a Love's travel place.  I walked the dogs while Ted waited in line for gas.  It took awhile due to all the traffic and the LONG line to the ladies room...four stalls only!  Ted got us a snack while he waited for me.

We have learned that each slowdown or hiccup in travel are often ways that God protects you from being in the middle of danger.  We found ourselves on a detour off I-75 due to an accident which took us through the Georgia countryside.  It was a pretty drive through cotton fields!

Drove by a section of forestry...

and then through a heavy downpour!  We came out of that to another slow-down...caused by the ramp backed up by those going to Bucces!  We kept driving.

The skies cleared and the sun came out by the time we hit Atlanta.

The Blue Ridge Mountains...such a gorgeous view.

Getting close to Chattanooga...

the sun set and then raindrops started as we pulled in close to Knoxville.  We got to Teddy's about 6:40pm...thankful again for safety over the miles!  Today is recoup day...catching up on sleep, the blog, work emails, meet up with a contact...and then...Christmas with our grown-up kids!

A quiet Saturday morning...well...almost

Mom got up and noticed the toilet wasn't flushing correctly.  She called maintenance and they came over to see what needed to be done.  Sure enough!  Big problem again.  They called the company and they showed up pretty quick to snake out the pipe.  We had a front row seat...so to speak.

I am making progress on another crocheting project for Alisa to sell.

The dogs got their Grandma loves.

I went over to Dad's to do a couple things to help him.  While I was there I checked the Christmas cactus blooms...and they were even prettier than the other day!  They like their FL environment.  So pretty...delicate...intricate design.

I made my way around the house with tears in my eyes...missing my Mom and thanking God for the wonderful gift He gave me!  All the different things I did this week and every day of my life...I learned from my Mom.  She taught me so very well!  I walked around looking at the little details of Dad and Mom's home...wanting to remember to thank God for each memory and lesson.

A beautiful end to the week...and as we packed up to say "Goodbye for now" my heart hurt and tears ran down my face.  When Christmas looks different...cherish it, learn from it, enjoy it, and expect it each year.

 

Another Request Granted

Dad asked if I had ever learned to make Swedish pancakes.  YES! Dad, I know how to do that and would be happy to make them for you.

Real butter....bacon...real maple syrup and lots of love!  And then for supper....steak tips, shrimp cocktail, and twice-baked potatoes with bacon, cheddar cheese, and jalapenos.

 

Florida for Christmas

We took some time to go to the pool...temp was 87 in the water...BUT the air was cool with a breeze!  We ended with a dip in the hot tub and that warmed us up for the ride back to the villa.

There was time to just relax as well as help with a couple different little jobs.  I had fun crocheting this and that.

The dogs were so funny!  They were totally comfortable to crash anywhere.  They liked the walks outside...except for the burrs that got stuck on their paws.  They liked golf cart rides.  They liked snuggles on Grandma's lap and treats.

After pool snack to help get to supper time.

Smoking/grilling a whole chicken that Ted spatch-cocked.

Dad carved it up.

Time around the table talking about life.  These are the times that are most memorable for me!  We spent hours around the table with our parents talking.  So thankful for all the times we have had over the years to do this...and still have the privilege to do now!

 

When Christmas looks different...

and there is still joy!  

We traveled to Grampy's on a golf cart in short sleeves!  Our first ever Christmas NOT spent in the Midwest!  We kept a few of the old traditions and added the ease of paper plates.  I found Christmas in drawers and cabinets.  I chose to use minimal decor.

Gifts from afar...

Working on a special supper...

salmon, mashed potatoes, and fresh green beans.

The night did not go exactly as planned...Ted was not doing well and Grampy was still struggling with illness and coughing.  As the dogs and I drove back to Grandma's, I focused on the privilege of serving and caring for others...something I saw my Dad and Mom do every day of the year and with special touches at Christmas.  We have so much to be thankful for and extra rest seems to be needed this year!

I wish we could bottle enough sunshine and take it back to Michigan for the rest of the winter!

Christmas morning breakfast in FL and brunch in TN.  

We are so thankful for time with Dad.  We enjoyed the warmer climate as we spent time together.  These were a treat I allowed myself to enjoy!

Opening their presents...

A favorite treat for the guys...

A request from Dad...

More gifts...

Waiting for dinner...

Ham, baked potatoes, and asparagus...

Christmas Day golfcart rides

I spent time at Aunt Connie's with family and friends while the guys tried to rest and recoup.  We enjoyed snacks while catching up and then watching a sweet Christmas movie.

Kirk took care of all logistics of the evening.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever hits different when you watch it with your two aunties who were teachers and your college speech teacher!  We laughed till tears.

Coffee and reindeer food shared with me by my friend!  I got to spend a little time with my FL K5 teacher friend.

The poinsettias love the FL weather!   It was refreshing to see and feel the warmer temps.

We felt the heartache of missing Mom but we do not wish her to miss out on Christmas in Heaven!