2018...almost

No long standing traditions around here,
except, hubby usually likes to avoid the noise and hit the sack early

So, this year, I decided to celebrate with a favorite octogenarian neighbor and friend.

Down to her place at about 7:30



First the countdown, from New York, Live on Fox   

And now for the apple cider toast

Happy New Year 

Ok, by the time you read this, it will be

2018 

fan thru thick and thin

What do you do when your favorite team is in the playoffs?

and you do not have a TV

   ( or a TV with cable and the station that counts )

you go to the mall

you go to Nordstroms, Men's department

you will probably catch Vern there.   

That is Vern on the left
Still happy Cougar fan on the right 

What is the score?
Don't want to talk about it.
Left in the middle of the third quarter. 

Me ? 

Enjoying Andy at the Grand
after a bit of shopping 

People watching
Who is that guy in the red suit?
maybe an employee from  the shop around the corner

Nope
Here comes the lady who must love a red suit 

Need a little free entertainment?
Head to the mall...

Just so you know

well, just in case you Didn't know...

I am up until past  midnight almost every night

but here is what happened last night.

We had been to our family holiday party and by the time we were home and I  said goodnight to hubby I thought I would play a few Christmas carols before wrapping gifts.
  So, I sat down to the piano and before I got through Silent Night, I was falling asleep.  Sort of played myself to sleep. I told myself "Kathy, you need to go to bed". 

 So I did.

And now, tonight, I have wrapping and more wrapping, no piano playing for me 

so I will say goodnight.

anyway, it is only 10:30.

hopping

Bar (tels) hopping that is..
and it pays off.

Here is what happened.

Saturday afternoon, they had an open house event at Bartells,  my always favorite drug store.

So, I started downtown Bellevue. They had the cutest little chocolate gingerbread men, peppermint brownies and coffee.  Done
   ( drank some coffee and saved the goodies)
There was a box to enter for a prize.  Done 
Also found just the right size candles, only 3, but a good price. Done 

On my way to my favorite Bartels, I passed another Bartels.
They also had cute chocolate gingerbread men, peppermint brownies and coffee. Done
They also had a contest box.  Done
Six candles and an even better price.  Done 

Arrived at my favorite Bartels.
Yes,chocolate  gingerbread men, peppermint brownies, sorry, the coffee was cold. Oh well.
Candles, yes, even cheaper. Now I have about a dozen.   Done.

Today I get a phone call.
You are the winner  !

It is the skyline of Seattle Olympics 
I do love puzzles.

Yep, I am a winner 

day with little man

always fun
always surprising
today I had the privilege of taking cupcakes to little man's kindergarten class. He is 6 years old.

So, I arrived right at 3:00 on the dot.

the children were pretty excited, so was teacher Miss C.

Two birthday songs - the second little man's choice,
    Scooby doo happy birthday
   

Then the napkins
Then the cupcakes
Then the party favors
Then group hugs 

Then little man smiling into camera says
  " my Grammy has a poop emoji on her phone"
there was already lots of laughs and conversation going on
Not sure anyone heard, but Grammy heard  

On the way home, I told little man
"I don't know what is wrong with me, I was so focused on getting those cupcakes organized, I didn't even introduce myself to your teacher. "
Little man said
"yah, I don't know what is wrong, I wasn't feeling myself today"


I guess we all have our days.

it was one of those mornings
well a usual sort of morning
wake up at 6:30 as usual
sip coffee and read Proverb of the day, as usual 
Down to the kitchen to prepare bacon for brunch at Bible study
Hubby always prepares breakfast on Wednesday.
and cleans up, so to speak, as usual 

Why does water spray all over the counter ?
Why did my apron tie get caught in the oven door ?
Why is there grease on the counter ?
Why do we need to stop for gas before Bible study ?

How did we get in the car and leave the driveway on time. As usual ? 


Maybe so I could copy the Proverb for the day...

December 13
Proverbs 13:20  He who walks with wise men grow wise
( watch your step ) 

 Always time  to share  a Proverb.  

Off to Ethopia

Ethiopia

it happened on a Friday night, when my friend Martha Ann took me as her guest to a very special event.   

Table setting / hint of treats 

Buffet.. very typical Ethiopian meal
A soft bread roll with many toppings  

Very appealing to some 

Very appealing to all 

They sang beautifully  

I am the one in the red
The pretty lady agreed to pose with me 

A very special evening.

Reminded of how much I have to be thankful for here in America, here in my neighborhood.
The family responsible for bringing this event have served the  Lord for years in Ethiopia 

and shared His love to many .

God is good