Christmas Days, Christmas fun, New memories

I have to admit I was a little nervous Christmas morning. The wind was howling and threat of snow hung heavy in the clouds. By 11 A.M family was trickling in the back door with faces flushed and smiles and hugs all around. We breathed a sigh of relief at a safe journey to central Kansas. the 8 ft. tree was waiting for everyone to gather around.

The two year old boys were so excited they helped hand out the gifts and loved trying to unwrap theirs. Two year old Austin pulled hard at that ribbon and was rewarded with his first drum set. He and cousin, Corbett, really worked hard at learning to play the drums until a couple adults decided it was time for a quieter Christmas gift. Austin's mom said the drums were staying at my house. I can't imagine why. :o)

My youngest son, Michael, gave me a wonderful memory gift this year. He has been sorting through family photos. He came across one taken Tucson AZ in 1964 when he and his brother, a neighbor girl and her baby brother played out a living nativity beneath a creche of lawn chairs.







He had an ornament made of that picture and also a framed picture of the same scene. What a precious memory, what sweet, beautiful children kneeling in their own special living nativity.

Dinner was simple but good. Homemade chicken noodles, smoked ham, mashed potatoes, biscuits, fresh fruit, fresh salad, steamed veggies with cheese sauce, cranberry relish, green bean casserole, deviled eggs, pumpkin pie and applesauce cake

I had to explain to the older boys that pass the biscuits did NOT mean toss one to me!

It was a great day everyone was here, happy, healthy and fun loving. Merry Christmas from our house to your house 

Frosty The Snowman silly clown

Hi Frosty, old friend,  I am delighted you are our guest of honor again this year. It's so nice to have you join us for ....how many years now? Really over 45 years, my you hold your age well, wish I could say the same for me.

I'll never forget the first time we met and I thought you were so darned cute. It must have been three years after my little sister (17 years old) was killed by a drunk driver and our lives were so devastated. Our Mom grieved so hard she didn't put a Christmas tree for a couple years and when mom's don't celebrate well.....the whole family spirit dwindles and suffers.

So I wasn't looking forward to going home that third Christmas as I really didn't want to grieve anymore. Boy! was I surprised when I walked in Mom's front door. There in the foyer on a cotton draped card table stood you!!! Bright cheerful and welcoming. Next to you stood a big twig tree with lights, garlands and ornaments. Who would have thought she would create you from a magazine how-to article (you know I still have that magazine article) when she wasn't quite ready for a real Christmas tree. My heart sang because I knew Mom had started her healing process and we were on the road back to becoming a whole family again.

Years later after taking care of her in our home for 8 years as Alzheimers robbed her of all thing that made her Mom you came out each year and reminded us of how life, no matter how sad, has gently happy moments to cherish. You are such a wonderful and enduring guest, we cherish your visit.   Welcome to our Christmas again this year.

The meaning of Thanks and Giving

A true warm fuzzy Thanksgiving day

Serving up the food

Trinity United Methodist Church in Russell, KS held their community Thanksgiving dinner November 26, 2009 at noon. They served over 175 meals and delivered 30 of them to anyone who requested them. That extended beyond shut-ins to the sheriff's office and Casey's on duty employees.

Dannie'll and helpers

This wonderful community dinner (a 30 year tradition) was nearly canceled two years ago when the church felt there were not enough people participating to make it worthwhile and volunteers were hard to find. Fortunately the church secretary, Danniell Heaton talked them into trying one more year. With the help of volunteers and sponsors everyone really worked hard to put it together last year serving about 125 people. This year they served 175 dinners.

"Was the food good?" "You betcha!"

What a joy it was to be there with great family food: turkey, mashed and sweet potatoes, three kinds of dressing, green bean casserole, hot rolls and covered dish goodies. Yum

What a blessing this tradition was rescued for the community. What great fun to see all the smiles and people lingering in the church hall long after dinner sharing their time with each other. When asked " was the dinner good" the reply "you betcha!"


What greater Thanksgiving pleasure than seeing children fully invested in the event through their laughter and play.









"Anyone coming?"



"I dunno, maybe we should pray or
somthin"

Rural paths took on the true meaning today in Russell, KS.

Thanks--people came together and shared dinner in a true community spirit much like the first Thanksgiving.
Giving--the cooks, bakers, servers, donations and covered dish treasures made it all happen

Have a blessed and happy holiday season and enjoy the rural lifestyle we all find so wonderful

Eating at the community dinner even left time to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade

Fall Crafting VFW Hays KS

Don't you just love this time of year, every weekend there are auctions, garage/estate sales, craft shows and flea markets to go to. This is my time for really enjoying weekends and finding great treasures...meeting people, enjoying the weather, the colors of the changing seasons and always bringing something wonderful home!

Today's craft show at the Hay, KS VFW (9 am - 4 pm) was a small craft show that was sponsored by the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. It has been around for quite a few years and stays about the same in size. By the time I got there at 3 PM some vendors were packing up and getting ready to go home. They had a lot of activities in the area to compete with. But we all know the real buyers get out in the morning and venture elsewhere during the day. Particularly on such a beautiful October day. Temperature about 71 F, clear skies and slight breeze.

Met a couple of ladies who were selling their wares. A newbie at craft show selling but her beautiful seasonal wreaths looked professional to me. Carol Stegnman, Lincoln, KS a goodly drive to Hays for the show.

And Patty Drake of Nana's Comfort Foods, Colby KS. She had a wonderful array of tasty dips and of course I had to try most of them. She has her homemade dips and dressing mixes on Etsy. I have to tell you with the coming holidays and entertaining these special flavors will make you the hostess with the mostest *ugh, did I really say that? Well you get the idea.

The trip to Hays was wonderful, trees are golden and the countryside is lush after summer rains. The 28 mile drive on old HWY 40 was easy and effortless. Not much traffic except for the occasional car driving 20 MPH looking at the fields. *lol* Rural life at it's best.