It is all over for another year: the shopping, the wrapping, the baking, the decorating, the cards and the carols, the family visits...
Of the above list, the last is my favorite. We enjoyed having the grandkids for a few days between Christmas and New Year's (accompanied by their parents, of course). I had baked three kinds of cookies and two kinds of fudge. Needless to say, what they didn't eat went home with them.
Before they came, Jim and I asked ourselves how we could entertain an 11-year-old boy, almost 14-year-old girl and almost 15-year old boy. And, as in previous visits, the worry was needless. The cousins entertained themselves quite well.
Our big excursion was to Carolina Place Mall so they could spend their Christmas loot. In their case, it was books (yay!) and games.
On the following day, when someone suggested we go Allen's General Store's petting zoo, I thought they were too old -- but we couldn't drag them away! Woody the llama was a favorite. The clerk said Woody had never taken food from anyone's hand, but both boys proved her wrong.
When we got back the oldest boy asked if I'd teach him to sew. That was a surprise, but we dragged out the old machine that I hadn't touched in 10 years. I had to remember how to thread it. My son Rob made a video of me telling them how to do this, and how to feed the material through -- not pull it! The bobbin winder had frozen up, which Rob thought he could fix, but they rigged a temporary solution with Jim's electric drill. Too funny, but it worked. The boys got into it so much that I sent the machine home with them along with the cookies and fudge.
That left a space in my bedroom, so I decided to rearrange it. I ended up cleaning out my dresser drawers and tossing a lot of unused "stuff."
Then I took down the decorations. I'm still finding a few here and there that I forgot, and I like my candles in the windows so much that I may leave them there until Jim starts complaining about the electric bill.
And that, my friends, is why I haven't blogged in three weeks.
I wish everyone a very peaceful, healthy and blessed New Year.
Hi Sandy, sounds like time well spent.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year
Arthur Levine
What a wonderful thing for the boys to do-and for Grandmother to teach! Best to you for a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year my friend!
ReplyDeleteTami
That's too precious, Sandy. I remember when my daughters wanted to learn to sew, they still can't use a machine... Funny since I made my first full skirt in 7th grade and a (maxi) dress in 8th, on a machine. Why don't they teach that craft in school anymore? Do they? I also learned to crochet in 7th grade at school along with the boys in my class
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a lovely holiday.
Teenagers are just 'stretched' little kids, especially around their grandparents. My granddaughter (14) says she loves my holiday traditions and that in a world that constantly changes, she knows I'll be the same. A little more wrinkly, perhaps, but still "nana." Loved the picture. Happy New Year, Sandra, and thanks for sharing a slice form your "pie of life."
ReplyDelete