Happy Christmas and a day or two

I find myself simply amazed how quickly this month of December has gone by. J and I decided maybe saying yes to everything was the culprit..not enough down time to simply sit and enjoy the lights and decorations. We did have a lot of fun so its wasn't all bad...just disappeared too quickly!
We had about 50 people show up for our big annual Christmas party and most said it was the best yet.
I tried to do too many last minute hordourves and found myself still working when the first guests arrived. Fortunately it was my Canadians bfs and they went right to work helping me. J had spent weeks getting the train far enough along to run during the party. It was wonderful because he lit up some of the cars with tiny xmas lights and a tree. He also decorated some trees with lights and the backyard looked great.  While it was a big success I don't think we will do it again next year. Maybe take some time to help others and volunteer. If you look up Snowball Express its a wonderful program put on by American Airlines for families that have lost a parent in the war. It is such a worthy and noble cause I am hoping to have J and I volunteer our time to it. We have been so fortunate it would be a good thing to pay it forward. I cry every time I see a commercial asking for us to help wounded warriors. They come home so broken and yet so many find ways to continue on and be amazing. True heroes.

Here are a few pics of the party so you can feel like you were attending. I know it looks like J wasn't there but I am pretty sure I saw him at some point.

SOOO many people and yet such a perfect house to entertain in!

Food galore and almost everything was GONE by the end of the evening.

Gdma and Rande

I told J about 4 days ago I could not imagine having to take down all the decorations so soon and thought I would wait until I felt ready. Yesterday my brother Ron left, my mom went home and I took Ky to the airport. Today Rande flew to Denver to move the rest of his stuff back to CA. For some reason having everyone leave left me craving a return to normal. I still had a cup of coffee in my hand when I started taking down this morning. I didnt get it all done but a very good start. Isn't it crazy how much more spacious one's house feels with no xmas clutter? I am always surprised by the starkness of normal.
T and J decided they didn't want to come over this year but we had R and K plus my bro who is usually in Mexico by now. The most difficult part of Timothy not coming is how many have asked why not, he lives so close.  At the same time we all want our kids to be happy so if staying home was impt, so be it. Being the parent of adult children is so different from what I expected. Our 3 boys are all so different I am amazed and bewildered they had the same parents and upbringing. I was hoping we would all be grownup friends and look fwd to spending time together sharing adventures.  "Life is a box of chocolates and you just never know what you are going to get." So true.

Uncle Ron and Ky

Vetterlis

Ky and Grandma

Cannot have a Vetterli get together without a little Mexican Train. I lost and Ky won.... as usual.

R and I made fresh spinach pasta one night and it was one of my favorite nights. I thought I simply had to have a pasta maker and yet managed to talk myself out of putting it to use for 2 months. R said lets do it and we were off...Yes it is quite a bit more work than picking up a package at the store but oh man it was heavenly! Really light and airy tasting...kind of pleased there is some in our freezer for another go around!

Next time I will clear and clean the island for this part...who knew it made so many?

Oh so delicious!!

Here is a cute little pillow gift I made for a friend who has a scottie dog. I could probably start a business making pet pillows right?! Everyone LOVES their pets.

I still have 2 trees and 3 dept 56 villages to take apart today and I am finishing this post on day three of take down. Who the heck thought 3 trees and xmas villages in every room were a good idea!?!?! lol... me of course!
It was so weird last night as I was removing ornaments from a tree I had the strongest sense of deja vu I would not be here to put them on next year. It was so strong it brought tears to my eyes and this feeling of doom.. I know, I sound crazy. I choose to believe it was a sign for me to let go of the unimpt conversations in my head and make a difference in 2014. Make every day count kind of thing. We dont know the future so live each day gratefully and continue to follow dreams. I will end here with yet another adorable photo of the coolest kitty ever!

Buster practicing not peeking at Santa or his gifts!

 Love this boy so much! Thanks for dropping by and I wish you all blessings, joy and love in the new year. Lets all go make a difference...

Its beginning to look like Christmas...

We have had a week or two of really nice winter temps! Even had to cover the citrus and pots because it dropped to freezing! I love lighting the fireplace, candles, and wearing thick fuzzy socks...even if its all short lived.

Gracie enjoying the ambiance!

Today was a balmy 61 degrees when Grace and I got up and its already 70 at 1030 am. Not complaining mind you...our morning walk was heavenly.

I have spent most of my free time the past two weeks working on Emily's stocking. It was a big sigh of relief to pop it with some gifts into the mail and be done. Now I am free to do some fun projects and no pressure.

It really did turn out cute!

If you see the other two you will understand why I had to make one more.

Now Philip's girls having matching (yet different!) stockings made by GrammaCher. I hope they treasure them always and one day know me well enough to understand I made them with love.

 I feel ready for Christmas, shopping done, house completely decorated, wine rack full and a few treats out. I just cant help feeling like Christmas is just not as much fun without little kids. The magic of believing and all the sweet programs, projects and parties truly made it amazing for me. As I said before I am saying yes to everything but its just not the same. Christmas is family and dreaming of Santa wish lists...I think this is where grandkids come into the mix. You can continue on with the fun and yet take a nap when you are tired! I am going to have to give up FB again because everyone posts these big happy holiday family scenarios. You have to know its not perfect but still looks like great fun to me. We will be having a sweet low key holiday and its just fine.  It just doesn't feel like Christmas to my heart.

I have had a couple of things happen this week and I am trying to process them and learn the lesson being taught. I had a friend I have known since 3rd grade decide something I said or did a couple yrs ago was not worth staying friends over. I guess I dont care enough to ask so we have just let the relationship go into the trash bin. She has made a point of emailing me to let me know she was here visiting friends which I have not understood. Why tell me if you are not wanting to see me? Well I received a Christmas card this week telling me she went to the LQ Museum with friends and saw my work.  She was complimentary in her words but why did she go to the trouble to send me a xmas card to tell me? Did she have to drive by my house to get there? Yes. Is she trying to hurt me? I still dont understand.
So last night I was just getting ready to curl up on the couch and turn on a Christmas movie. The doorbell rings and its a neighbor I know casually but we are not bfs or anything. She proceeds to tell me another neighbor I invited to our xmas party is not a nice person. Last year she asked this neighbor if my house was decorated inside as tacky as it was outside. She continued to tell me more bad news and said she just thought I should know. Hmm...let me think about this. Who is worse in this scenario, the messenger feeling a deep need to tell me someone talks trash about me, or the person that supposedly did the dirty deed?  I couldn't wait to close the door, pour a glass of wine and remind myself I am 60 and no longer in high school. I dont have to play this game and basically dont feel a need to be friends with either.  Just cant help wondering what is the truth here but also reminded myself not to get involved in neighborhood catfights. I forgot how much I dont enjoy living in tight hoods. As for my other long time friend I decided the best reply to her is nothing. She will simply have to wonder if I received it and how I felt reading it. I am only sharing these because it made me feel sad that with so much going on in the world there are people that need to hurt others to feel good. I now feel like I cant trust either one enough to be friends and really wish I didn't feel so disposable as a person. That's life I guess.
On a brighter note I just had a neighbor deliver a big glass bowl with holly, cranberries and a floating candle. For every mean spirited person out there you will also find someone that is a blessing to you. Look for them. They are people of worth and we all need to surround ourselves with joyful hearts.

Well hello December!

I have continued to say yes to every invite or event I possibly can this month knowing  how I get overwhelmed without down time. I feel a need to make new friends and broaden my life by stepping out of my comfort zone. I have joined a book club and a local womens art group. We are golfing more with new people and I joined a women's putting group. I didnt want to because I am a terrible putter but I ended up winning the money! Go figure!  I am still going to yoga and loving it. I had an instructor ask in the beginning if I was allright and yesterday an instructor passed by and said beautiful Cheryl. I feel I am improving and gaining flexibility, strength and confidence.

My form definitely needs improvement but I was so excited to be strong enough to do this!

 There is such a calming peaceful feeling when I get done I wish I could bottle it. Our instructor told us to take the feeling with us to share with others...by the time I got home I had already lost it. WTH! I dont know why but J and I have had the cranks this week trying to work on our Christmas decorations. I am hoping to finish the villages today and sit back and enjoy the joy of the season and feel the love. Well and have another eggnog!
Remember us making our xmas tree last year? Well we had bought everything we needed to make one more and ended up stuffing the branches and walking away. So this week I decided it was time to be a tree maker again. Honestly this one is soooo pretty! I have been given a crystal ornament from my aunt since 1998..sometimes two. I have always wanted to do a tree just for them and now I have.

Speaking of trees....check out our lemon trees!

Can you say lemon meringue pie over and over?! We are loaded! No oranges though so maybe next year. I am also hoping they all get taller and offer shade to our train yard.

Before I forget here is the latest photo of newest granddaughter Emily...

While she definitely doesnt look like a Kamolz she is one adorable happy baby! I am working hard on making her a Christmas stocking to match her sisters. I hope the next one I make is for a grandbaby I get to enjoy, spoil and love endlessly. Jerry just said the other day we would really be good at being grandparents. I am so envious of all my friends that get to enjoy their grandchildren. I haven't given up hope but have begun to entertain the idea it might not happen. That's life~ we are not in control!

We had a nice family gathering for Thanksgiving at my mom's. Way too much food and I made 3 pies people were too full to enjoy. When will I learn? They were really good the next day tho so no worries!

Shawn, Stacie, Kaleb, Zackary, and Jacob!

My nephew Shawn and family came from Sacramento area and it was a delight to spend time with them and get to know their boys. A wonderful family for sure and we hope to see them more often.

The boys deep fried a turkey and grandma baked one. We had enough leftovers for an army!

Timothy and Jammie...we got to try some home brews and beers from Timothy's work.

Shawn and Gdma

Rande, Timothy and Jammie spent Friday at our place and the boys worked on the railroad. It was so fun to talk to Timothy about it because his mind was overflowing with creative ideas of what he thought would look good. The sad part is he rarely has the time or desire to come over so they probably wont happen. We continue to grow and improve the set up so who knows where it will go.

Timothy adding rock base and cleaning tracks

The train team!

I had to include our inside train and Buster holding down the track waiting for Santa...

 

I will try to post again in 2013 but meanwhile go out and enjoy the day~ find that calm peaceful feeling one gets from being loved and having a grateful heart. Thanks for dropping by. Love you! 

A post for my homies

I know I keep saying this but I honestly decided I was done with this blog...mainly because I am so addicted to the computer. I even deactivated my FB acct and made it about 10 days before going back on 'to check'. I had people msg me to see if I was ok and found I hated not being able to chat with friends.  Of course then the first thing I see on fb is one of my dear friends is engaged and this just reenforced my dislike for internet. She couldn't call, email, or text me to share her news?? I find out on FB??!? AGH!  Communication has become so impersonal and detached and yet we are able to connect with friends and family we might not otherwise. Its a dilemma in my head and I don't have the solution other than to continue on.
Its been so long I don't know where to begin...Ok how about the La Quinta Art Exhibit at the museum. Very cool. They had an artists reception so most of the 31 artists were there. We could talk to people about our work or simply mingle. It was packed with so many people coming out in support, I was shocked! I had a few friends tell me they liked mine the best but that is what friends are for right?!! It is the most eclectic grouping of art ever and quite fun to see...well and be a part of. I have a name tag and it declares I am an artist!
J and I celebrated 32 yrs of wedded bliss the 24th and the next day he left for 8 days in MN. I am not sure who had a better time...I have not been alone in 2 years and he got to play with his BF in MN.
While he was gone Gracie and I drove to PHX to spend the night with Ky and experience his new life. Unfortunately the move to PHX has not gone as he hoped and I doubt if he stays long. I understand his unhappiness because I too have made moves and found it more lonely than I could stand. He remains a very upbeat positive person and hopefully something comes along that changes his journey.

Having an ASU brunch reunion at Ky's restaurant. It was delicious and fun!

There is this old house on Lake Carlos (our old town in MN) built in the 20s and on an acre of property. So on a day off of Halloween prep J and JB went to see it.  It has dropped 500,000 in price the family is so desperate to sell it. If I could win a lottery it would be my summer home tomorrow. Here is the view from the back porch...it comes furnished with a boat and a guest house on the water. I think the worse part is so many are buying these old classic lake homes and tearing them down. My heart belongs in a past generation where old is of value and cherished. Oh well. I do so enjoy my desert winters! Seriously tho couldn't you picture yourself having coffee here in the morning and then back again after a day on the water for your wine?! Yep me too.

Something new and wonderful in my life is I have begun taking yoga classes. Phewy! Please do not think its all about  crazy downward dog poses and namaste...we really get an awesome physical work out and I am loving it! I have been riding my bike there and back and now I even find myself standing straighter and walking differently. I bought a few cute outfits too so now I am really committed! lol

Another cool thing is we have finally begun our garden railway after years of talking about it. I think it is going to be awesome! Its also special because its a bit of a family effort to get it up and going. I got to trade in my scissors and sewing machine for an exacto knife and glue to build the sheriff's office. great fun!

There is my little sheriff building and this is a trestle Timothy built about 10 yrs ago. Finally found its place!

We have a long ways to go but at least we have begun....I am on the lookout for a bar car to brings drinks to whomever is sitting track side around the pool!

There is a local artist that does some fun pieces using paper mache and I noticed one in a house I took care of this summer. I was drawn to the closeness of the ladies because that is what best friends do..stand in each other's space.

So of course I had to do my version of this piece and I swear it was so much fun! Like playing paper
dolls again~isn't that sad they dont even exist now? I feel old!
 I wanted both of my ladies to have a glass of wine and to be tipping them as we do when we are happily talking to our bfs. I visualized a whole new market of bfs...two ladies holding golf clubs or tennis racquets, riding a tandem bike, etc. and coordinating hair colors....and then I remembered I really dont want to be that artist. I just want to have fun and do whatever comes into my head. Right now I have 4 projects going and  Christmas ideas beginning~feeling very ADD...remember Cher,  'finished is better than perfect!'

I will end this post with the highlight of my month...I flew to DFW 2 weeks ago to do a roadtrip with Gugi to the Hill Country of Texas. We have talked about doing this for a couple of years and finally were able to make it happen. G booked us a cute little BandB in Fredericksburg about 51/2 hrs from her home. This is an old german town and we had such a great time there. People were friendly and darling shops to poke around in...

 We drove the 2nd day about 3 hrs to La Grange TX to the Texas Quilt Museum. It was fascinating and they had such beautiful quilts from as old as 1846. Amazing the stitch work the ladies did then by hand...they change the quilts every few months to a different theme and it was so worth the drive. We also loved the town of La Grange...also an old German town with beautiful old buildings and history.

This was once the jail...

Beautiful old courthouse from the 1800s right in the center of town.

My sweet friend in front of the brewers home he built in 1800s for his 6 children. Simply amazing work still standing.

This is an old brewery built in 1850 by a man from Bremen...the stonework on his property was incredible.

We drove thru Smithville where the movie Hope Floats was filmed. This was Birdie's mama's house!

 Everywhere we stopped there were amazing antique stores...history galore! This was a doctor's buggy...

The drive was beautiful rolling green fields with huge old oak trees placed every so often. I had no idea how amazing this trip would be and could have continued on for another week.

The German culture and heritage is so strong here. The gentleman that began Austin wrote back to Germany telling everyone how this was the land of opportunity and they came. Over 1,000,000 Germans migrated to Texas in the 1800s and they actually refer to themselves as German Texans. We visited one small town after another with amazing old 1800 buildings still being used today. It was fascinating and I can't wait to do it again. Our final night we stopped in Luckenbach which is basically a post office, saloon and general store.

  "Everybody's Somebody in Luckenbach!" Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings sings a song about it and throws parties here for friends. I have never experienced a place like this and we had a blast! Everyone is singing along and doesnt matter where you are from you are part of the gang.

Anyone can join in singing or playing and its nothing for Willie N to drop by.

Me wishing I had my cowgirl boots and hat!

I think G and I smiled the entire time we were there! Great fun and definitely planning to return.
For me the best part of this road trip besides being with my BFF was the only planned part was our B and B. Everything we did was mutually spontaneous, free and so much fun....simply love being with that girl! I was sad to leave and go back to the routine of life but I smiled all the way home!
Thanks for dropping by...