Decking the Halls

The tree is decked and it is lovely, thanks to inspiration from sister-in-law Sarah. This photo is from 1955. Are you all watching madmen and in love with the pure beauty of the show? You could watch this show with the sound off and it would still be worth it. The setting, costumes, beautiful actors, and lighting are exquisite. With the sound on it is perhaps the best show I have ever seen. I am just finishing season 2.

Thanksgiving was perfect. It was at my mother's house. Thanksgiving never changes there. Dad was still carving the turkey with the electric knife. Best of Show was on the T.V. The women hussled around the kitchen filling glasses with water, pulling things out of the oven, stirring the gravy, adding foil to keep things warm. I love the tradition at my parents house. I always know what I'm going to get, and that it is going to be really good. My mother's rolls are better than any rolls I've ever tasted. I said the prayer. We could have taken a picture of the meal. It was one of the most beautiful plates ever. I didn't over eat. I cleaned all the dishes. After we sang hymns. The great thing about singing with my family is that it feels like I'm singing with a professional choir. Not only can all of us Lindsay's sing, but we married people who can sing, there were twenty people covering all the parts. Then we played Settlers of Catan. The only sad thing of the day was that I couldn't hear Olya. She is newly married to my nephew Caleb. I love her, I love her eyes. I want to get to know her. But, combine my hearing loss with her soft spoken, Russian accent and communication was pretty much impossible.

When we got home, Charles, Harrison, and I watched 9 to 5. Mira watched George of the Jungle upstairs and Max watched Narnia Prince Caspian. Everyone was happy. I just can't stop loving Dolly Parton.

Anne was missed, especially by Ambryn, who ended up eating with me (how boring for her). Will I ever get used to her absence? Nephew Tarl was also gone (have I mentioned he gave the best farewell talk ever?) and I just can't get over sending these kids off--this one to Ukraine, Bryant to Russia, Anne to Germany. I missed Maggie too. She brings so much cheer to all of us.

I will be done with school in two weeks. That is something to be really thankful for. I haven't felt like myself lately. When I'm done, I hope I will be back to being me.