Positively Tuesday- The Thaw

     

     Yesterday was sunny and 6, no 7 degrees at one time. Amazing the difference no wind and sun can make. If my cheeks weren't so rosy so quick, I'd have been outside for longer walks. But, each dog got a little space a few times and they loved it. It's so sad what's happened for people traveling, caught in the cold and icy temperatures. If you're impacted, I hope you are safe. Today we start creeping up in temps, potentially the start of above freezing. Yeah! I know winter is still long, but I'll take the thaw when it comes. Positive thoughts and all, as I finish the year here's my joys for the week.

Tuesday: The grandpuppy had a very good night at puppy class. The bark alert seemed to be a good detractor and helped him focus, so we could focus. I made a delicious pork loin that will yield several meals, much put back in the freezer for a future, I don't want to cook, night. 

Wednesday: The cold started, with snow late. We decided to postpone our trivia night holiday party as folks wanted to stay put. Our quiet night was stir fry and spring rolls, my daughter staying here so she'd not have to drive to her doctor appointment the next morning on risky roads if the winds picked up. 

Thursday: There was a reprieve before more snow and blowing. My daughter picked up two shovels, one for her and us, that had the double handle to help reduce the pressure on backs when shoveling. She was such a help while here with the snow. 

Friday: We had a sort of leftover, sort of appetizer relaxing dinner and movie day/ night. I was both on call and checked messages but managed to get final things done for both days of celebrating Christmas. I still love It's a Wonderful Life and White Christmas. I'll watch them both each year.  

Saturday: Christmas Eve. We did gifts in the morning after prepping evening food and Sundays food. DH, even in his procrastinating shopping, did good, with a cozy sweatshirt, flavored coffee, a couple holiday throw pillows. My daughter got me coffee too- they know me well, and a shirt and sweater set. I'll actually look polished when I work in the office. The snow shoes for DH was a huge win, which made me happy. DH was ecstatic with another Minnesota Vikings nail biter field goal win, though I hate holiday weekend games. Our dinner and gathering at my sister's was fun, loud, but fun. We were there about four hours. Apparently according to one nephew and BIL, my ham was the best ham they'd ever had. It had gotten what I feared was overcooked, but it had caramelized into melt in your mouth savoriness, so was pretty good. 

Sunday: Christmas Day. It's always a long day at MIL's, 11:00 requested arrival, and nearly 7:00 before we left. I'd like to shorten the length of time there because his family is extra, but all in all a good day. Times on Christmas Eve church interfered with Vikings game and my sister's, so we watched the on line service in the morning, and it was quite nice while having coffee. DD2 called earlier, and shared they went to midnight mass at a Cathedral in Barcelona, and were on their way to a sand art performance featuring a live orchestra of The Nutcracker music. DS called later (after sleeping off a fun Christmas Eve apparently) and we talked for 90 minutes. DD1, having left several hours earlier than we did to care for dogs, got home to her house safely. Isn't it a good day to know all's right with your family. 

Monday: Just DH and I, so quite a different post holiday. I made us an egg bake with leftovers. Later we did a post Christmas shop, tucking a few things away for future giving, and then got a bite to eat at our local bar and grill. It was packed with couples, families, and friends meeting up. It was all very festive. We got a message from DD2 that they arrived at their next destination, Aix en Provence, France, and DD1, arrived at her friends, three hours away. They're heading to the Michigan UP today until Saturday, then back to friends. We truly needed no dinner, and watched a couple not Christmas movies, The Glass Onion, and Bullet Train. A simple pleasure is dogs, movies, and cozy couches, wrapped up in a blanket. 

     I'm technically on vacation this week, but doing some spot checking to keep a project moving, and some triage on shared mailboxes. I'll try to keep total work hours under 12 for the week. I don't think other than walks, we'll go anywhere today. I have a list though. I need to purge a few items that have been replaced by gifts, plus a clean and organization of the refrigerator as stuff was put in very haphazard. The house need a general cleaning too after multiple days here, but on the run. Though Still celebrating with all my kids, I think we'll get the tree down while DH is off and when it thaws. The outdoor stuff will stay through January, so no mocking. I am the last wreath standing house.  I'd love to read about your joys for the week. 

Edit: Before ending this post, turn and smile at, hug, wave, just love on the people in your life. My heart is with Kim, everyone's favorite blogger, with a heart only to match her husband's, in size for caring for family, friends, church, and community. She has my prayers as she mourns the loss of her husband. Life is not fair; nothing is promised, so we need to make each day matter.