Use the Good China!

Getting ready for Christmas took a big turn this year. Just as we were settling into our new normal in our home we learned my husbands brother had passed away. Immediately without warning our plans changed. A funeral of a loved one anytime of year is difficult; this time of year it just stinks. 

I can't seem to come up with the right words to deal with this one. Overwhelming sadness for those left behind seems to be the only thing that comes to mind. Family members cling together, creating new bonds of love...there isn't much more we can do. 

This Holiday season hold your loved ones a little closer.The death of my brother-in-law is a reminder that life is short and incredibly fragile. It is a reminder that we never know when our time is up. It is also a reminder to use the good china. Keep the pretty things front and center in your life; don't tuck them away for that special day. That day is today; each day is a gift! 

Baby, it's COLD outside!

Every year we know it is coming. Every year we complain about it. Every year it stings our nose as we walk out in it. Every year we say we will go south when we are old. Every year I mean it more.

The very cold weather is parked over our area for the next 7 to 10 days. I am not excited about this; but it is what it is; so we will need to make the best of it. It is time to crack out the hot chocolate and pull out the board games. They say there is a silver lining in almost everything. In this situation it can be the memories made playing a family game. A few years ago I discovered you can play pinochle online; free. Another way to spend a cold evening in. Growing up family games got us through quite a few blizzards on the farm; those family memories include some heated games of ping pong and Monopoly.

Instead of complaining about the cold let's make a new memory; bundle up and learn to cross country ski or be creative inside. We choose to live in this climate probably because our ancestors did. Let's make the most of it. Make a memory today!