busy week

cleaned dads house dec. 21 with help from 2 of my sisters. it was in pretty good shape before we started. so it didn't take too long. cleaning isn't so bad if you're doing it with two of your sisters, and horsing around while you do it!
 i went out on a limb and put a little lighted and decorated Christmas tree in dads living room. i wasn't sure how he'd receive it. i worried a little it might make him miss mom even more. but he was fine with it.

dec. 22 I had a stomach virus. boyfriend was sick from chemo. at one point we were both, at the same time, leaning over the front  porch railing vomiting into the grass below. it was disgusting!
 we spent the day and evening in  our misery.

dec. 24 the kids, their significant others and my dad came over for dinner. i made lasagna and salad. it was in the mid 60's and sunny so we were able to sit on the deck until the sun went down. it was nice!
 we exchanged gifts and then  watched football and chit chatted. it was a good afternoon/evening.

Christmas morning was nice and quiet.
boyfriend and i sat on the floor in front of the tree and exchanged gifts.......it was very pleasant. then he napped while i made the potato salad and fruit salad to take to dads for Christmas. spent the afternoon and evening at dads with boyfriend, my sisters, their spouses and all of our children and our children's children. it was loud, busy, and energetic. lots of laughter, bad jokes, hugging, and sharing..................towards the end of the evening we looked through pictures of mom and dad from when they were living half the year in the keys.......and we shared stories about mom.......most of the stories made us laugh. she was a character.....and an awesome one at that!

At some point between Christmas Eve and Christmas night I got a note/call from each of my three children. Each one expressing gratitude .............makes me smile.......and of course I'm so grateful for each of them....I adore and love them.........
Merry Christmas, Happy New year!