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Friday, December 28, 2018

It's Friday nite

( Hi Marti - you are probably the only one smiling already ♥ )

Well, yes, we usually go to the mall on Saturday night. Have cheap eats and listen to the piano music ( Like a free date night)

So, why tonight ?
The Coug's are playing a bowl game
Hubby does not have cable on his tv
Coug's game is on ESPN
Not a free channel

BUT, in the men's department on the second floor of Nordstrom's there is a big screen TV !
How do we  know ?   because, our old friend Vern  ( we have known him a long time and he is old...89 years old ) well, he told us about it.  He would bring snacks and watch all the important games. He told hubby, so hubby joined him a few times.   
Maybe more than a few times because tonight,  a couple of the salesmen asked hubby how Vern was...they have missed him.
Vern got a TV.  

All that to say, we went to the mall and while hubby was watching  about 3 1/2 hours of football, I was walking and doing a little bit of shopping, but cranked up 4.2 miles !

ok...this is what I did not buy, but had to share because salt is my middle name and I don't think you will ever see an ornament in the shape of a salt shaker  ...again...


If you are interested, it is at Anthropology.. only one left   




At about 8:25 I thought I would pause for a little something to eat. The Cafe was closed.  The Bento Box closed 5 minutes ago. So, what is open ??   McDonald's of course.
( found a quarter on the floor...felt like a sign that I should buy..
Medium french fries.)

Found a bench and did some people watching.  It is a little different in this wing.   Mostly young people.  Some in shorts, some in pj's
one with slippers.   The kind that are backless with a beige fur trim and the trim is the same color at her leotards.  She came by three times and I noticed she was wearing a full pleated skirt.
Maybe she knew it is still Dressember.
Haven't heard about it?   Well, friend Amy is doing a fund raiser for young women caught in street trafficking.  She is wearing a dress every day and so is her daughter.  Her boys are wearing bow ties !
( just remembered I have not sent the $$ )  
Tonight I am wearing a long black dress with my black fleece with red trim and a black headband.
( when I went to wash my hands in the restroom, caught a glimpse of my headband in the mirror - it is now in my purse )

Also spotted children.  I love little girls walking with their daddy.  Holding hands is best, but one little gal is skipping along to keep pace with her daddy.  

Most everyone is wearing tennis shoes or boots.  
There is another pair of slippers
and one very interesting man with brown leather shoes and no socks...ok, looks like no socks.. and high water pants.
Then I look down and I am the only person wearing sandals.
Weather in the 40's and most intelligent folks wear warm shoes.

I do know 3 other ladies who cannot wear closed shoes most of the time.   And I like to say, I am old enough to wear the shoes I like. 
And so is everyone else walking in the mall tonight. 


It is 9:30  Nordstrom is closing.  4 minutes to go in the game.
Quick to the car.   

Coug's are winners !!!   Alamo Bowl Winners !!

We are happy.  
We are home.
Checking shopping bags to make sure no one slipped that ornament into my bag...no, but I am ready for two other family members !

Sleep tight


Thursday, December 27, 2018

Lucia Bride

A tradition we have attended for several years

because we see old friends
because it is a beautiful program
because they have Swedish treats






First some Bible verses 


↑ Look close    ↓











Delighted Grandparents 


Much musical talent 



                                        Such a beautiful Church  




Then the next event on the program  begins
        The lights are dimmed  

                 The Lucia Bride enters with her lighted crown 







It is a spectacular presentation 



 Up the street to the Swedish treats 








The reception following 















Memories of past years

I know her ↑

and

I know two of them    ↓












Love seeing these friends every year 

Final piece of Christmas Blessings












Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Baking night



                                       Baking Night

Aprons washed ironed and ready for action 

Table top ...ready !


Action

One person job

Sometimes two


two person job...  
Two on a task...


Two preparing chocolate kisses 



This could be the best part.

Still working 



Tradition since 1978
with a few new faces
Always lots of fun 

Work is done...

Time for a little Elf 

Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Bellevue has something to offer

This is a tradition of 13 years and it seems to get a little better every year.

It starts with fun characters handing out lollipops  and there is music
 Christmas music.  And there are crowds of people.  Some line up ahead of time to get a front row viewing, but even if you just hear the music, it is magical.

A little sidewalk entertainment,  Snow Stormers, dressed in white 
and a marching band, and lots of princesses.   

Then right at 7:00 it starts to snow  and out of nowhere come floats...many floats and marching drummers



















Tonight, we had little man with us and he got 15 high 5's, many waves and 3 lollipops.  

And it is free !!!
( we went three times )


Merry Christmas 


Monday, December 17, 2018

We are here for a purpose

Just a little story...there are so many...

But today I saw this little man sing his heart out for the Lord


This is Jimmie,
He loves wearing  ties
He loves to sing with gusto
He loves Jesus 


And this little man has an amazing heart in more ways than one.
Before he was a week old, he had open heart surgery.
He is now 4  1/2  +.   The Lord has something for him to do.

While sitting in the Sunday School circle this morning, there were about a dozen children.
A favorite song was requested.

The room was filled with voices
 "I have the joy joy joy joy down in my heart"
then a small voice sang
" Where?"
Down in my heart
the small voice again
" Where?"
Down in my heart

until the chorus

And I'm so happy, so very happy 
I have the love of Jesus in my heart.
(Down in my heart)  small voice  
And I'm so happy, so very happy
I have the love of Jesus in my heart.

We get to the second verse
and for line two, an adult voice chimes in
( many of the 11 other children are grinning, some not singing )


And on the chorus
an adult begins to clap in rhythm.
and is joined by a few others

We get to the final verse and
there are several voices singing
 Where?

and for the chorus
there is much clapping ! 

I am singing and clapping and wondering..
When did the excitement of singing and clapping fade?
Why did it fade?
How old is too old to sing your heart out for the Lord?
Or how young...

Little man, Jimmie,  The Lord has something for you to do
And you are doing it.  You are encouraging others to sing their hearts out for Jesus.




Saturday, December 15, 2018

Good Morning

Yes, I know I have not posting anything lately
BUT, I have been busy and have a couple good ones waiting for final touches

Thought I might just say HI !

especially to Marti  ♥ 

Guess what I am doing today ?

Nothing !

Well that is what it feels like.
Mostly ordinary things and things like

writing a quick note and needing info on my phone
  walk into the kitchen for my phone  ( it is on the charger in my kitchen )

I see an empty and very cute mug ( thanks to my friend Alice )
   walk back into my studio and turn on the Keurig  ( I traded my Nespresso to Damon for what was my old Keurig )

Back in the kitchen for my phone and getting ready to brew a cup of coffee  ( Caribou is one of my favorites )

I think I am ready to do a little more
Should I post now ?
or wait until I can add photos?

oops, just got a text

too late....hope you had a good day

Monday, December 3, 2018

Deck the halls

really,   Deck my tree
or Trim my Tree, as I have called it for years.

It started when I wanted to get to know a few ladies from BSF better....remarkable ladies...
So, I planned a luncheon in December with the Christmas theme.
Hubby got the tree up, food was prepared, the house was decked, but no ornaments on the tree. Ran out of time.
So, Plan B...have the ladies trim my tree.
And they did
And they come very year now and do that job for me.

                                                                 2018 

The tree is up and ready 

The table is set and ready


The treasures.....

Photo credit:  hubby...caught in the mirror 
OH, and you can see the finished decorated tree




A job well done ! 



years past...

This was a great year.
A few friends that have since..moved on...


Only memory photo for  this year
Proof they did their job
and looked cute...very cute 


Going back in time...  



                Two of the first years... ↓  ↑  Some things don't change....still cherished friends 






So the memories linger.   
I am so blessed to have these woman in my circle of friends,
if only in my heart.
I will always miss and remember Liz,  she was a treasure to us all.   



I live an exciting life