Always Thankful

This hangs in my office/work out room and seems even more appropriate this week.



I'm walking more around the lake these days as the change of seasons is putting a
damper on hiking. Annette joined me as we checked out the new town beach property.

I'm getting better at organizing outings rather than waiting to be invited. Last week I decided to go for a walk at a local preserve and put it out to 5 friends. Two joined me and we had a nice chat and catch up while we walked five miles on a brisk but sunny afternoon.

A very chunky goose.

A stream at Vischer Ferry emptying into the Mohawk River.

I organized an outing in 2 weeks to attend Night Woods over at The Mount near Stockbridge, Mass. I went 2 yrs ago and it seems they have expanded the experience. I can't wait to go! 

I've finally gotten daughter to commit to a visit here from the 10th to the 23rd of December. I'm so excited that I get to actively take on the role of Mom again. We'll go see some lights displays, have a meal with her ex-stepmom, and of course (she will) see her Dad too. She has to work as well, so that limits our outings, but hopefully we'll go see Wicked, and watch the latest Alien movie on Hulu too.

I started out for a walk the other day, but the nice weather led me to hang my Christmas lights instead.

My lights are simple and few, and I feel I'm cheating my neighbors.


Paula and Bill put up quite nice a display that I get to enjoy.

Then I met up with Sheila, Sue Ellen, and Amyjean for the Holiday Train arrival in Saratoga with music as well.

Thousands showed up to see the performance!

AJ, Sue Ellen, me, and Sheila braving the freezing temperatures.

Now it's the day after Thanksgiving and it was one of the nicest I've had in a long time. I decided I wasn't traveling to spend the day with relatives, nice as that can be, but I was having my own Friendsgiving at home. Amyjean and Susan joined me for the most relaxed, fun, and stress free holiday I've ever experienced. 

Amyjean's contributions - very creative and tasty!

The apple pie I made, along with turkey, stuffing, squash. Susan brought a 
delicious brussels sprouts dish.

I knew from weather reports that it was expected to rain all day, so I went out and bought a canopy to cover the hot tub. It was perfect for the morning rain, but then that turned to snow which started to pile up on the tent. Only 2 - 3 inches fell and I was able to knock it off the tent a few times. 

North of here, where AJ and Susan live,  got 8 to 10 inches of snow and the roads were
really bad, so we had an impromptu sleepover! Luckily I have 2 guest bedrooms and plenty
of games and wine, so we had a lovely time.


Comments

  1. MargaretNovember 30, 2024 at 1:03 AM

    What a wonderful Thanksgiving you had! I tell people that we can tailor our holidays to suit ourselves; you did exactly that! I now need to follow my own advice as I can sometimes get drawn into societal expectations. That's great that you get to spend time with your daughter and your plans sound fabulous. By the way, the water in that lake picture is beautiful.

    ReplyDelete

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