After the hustle and bustle of preparing for the holidays, I’ve enjoyed the week after Christmas relaxing with family and friends. The highlight of every week after Christmas is a visit to my husband’s parents in Jamestown, NY for a few days, followed by a visit to my parents in Central upstate New York, about 15 miles from Cooperstown and the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Several parts of these visits are tradition: breakfast at the Dinner Bell for dinner-plate size pancakes and unlimited cups of coffee, stuffed pork chops at the Rod and Gun Club on Chautaquua Lake with my in-laws, and a very special Christmas celebration after.
We all too soon have to set out on our 5-hour ride through the middle of nowhere to reach my parents — usually through snow, rain, fog, deer sightings, etc. At my parents, I’ve come to expect the small Christmas ornament that “sings” when you turn on the Christmas tree lights connected to the main light switch (it’s the first switch I turn on and off when I reach my parents – drives my dad batty!). Then, of course there are the “Blue People” — I love to comment on this Victorian-era group of carolers (all with frostbite!) as they sing their hearts out for all to hear (check out the photo below — you’ll understand what I mean!).
It’s time for another Christmas celebration — my sister and her family has come up from Virginia, my brother and his family travel the 20-30 minutes to enjoy another special Christmas celebration, and my dad takes the time to make his signature apple and cherry turnovers. It wouldn’t be Christmas without eggnog with my mom, and Rummikub with the cousins!!
This morning, snow has covered the ground. What a peaceful, wonderful sight! Have you heard the song by Burl Ives, “Please Send Some Snow”? I’ve substituted the words … “Please send some snow … some snow for Jeannie”! (Click the link in case you haven’t heard it!)
All of this brings me to my favorite Christmas card of this year — Farmhouse Christmas. Although the framelits are no longer available, there’s still time to order the Farmhouse Christmas stamp set!
I hope your new year brings you all lots of stamping time. Don’t forget that the Holiday catalog is good only until midnight on 1/2/2019. On the 3rd, it’s time for the Spring Catalog … ready or not! … and Sale-a-bration. Place your order ASAP if you still have something you’d like from the holiday catalog!!