January Check In

 

How can January be half over already?  It has been a quiet, catch up time for me.  Once I put away the Christmas decor, I always see things with fresh eyes and begin a lot of organizing.  Also, instead of spending a lot on fresh decor, I bought one print and then moved and repurposed what I already had.  It is amazing how items can look so different in new locations.

My fitness goals are on track with movement from yoga and walking.  I did a long beach walk at the beginning of the New Year and still find anything beach related uplifting and mind clearing.  It was sad to see that Venice Beach is still not put back together completely after Hurricane Milton.  It is fine for a typical beach day and as pretty as ever, but if you look closer, there is still a big ridge of sand that needs leveling, all the dune grasses are gone and the walking path at the top of the beach is totally gone as well.  Not to mention, the jetty area is still closed and will be for years as the army engineers figure it out.  It could have been worse of course, and the tourists will be happy, but if you live here it is sad.

Otherwise, the weather has been sunny, but chilly, so we have been wearing sweatshirts and bundling up for golf.  We played Euchre with a regular monthly group over the weekend and watched basketball with friends too (MSU). The Lions play on Saturday night and everyone with Michigan roots is excited and hopeful for a trip to the Super Bowl. 

We are missing Audrey, but Megan sends photos and videos to make it better.  I will also be braving the frigid temps in Michigan for a visit very soon.

Christmas in Photos

 

Little ones do put the merry in Christmas.  We had a great trip to Michigan that was busy, but so much fun. Big family get togethers, a family bowling party, and lovely and quiet holiday time with our daughters, son in laws and of course our granddaughter Audrey. Who is at the cutest age.  Walking, saying so many words and just the happiest little girl.  She loves to read too, just like her Nana.  

We are back in the Florida sunshine, but missing family so much.  The good news is that I have a plane ticket booked for later this month, so more Nana time is on the way.

Happy New Year!

Christmasing

 

The countdown is upon us and all the Christmas preparations and lead up to the actual holiday are winding down.  I am getting excited to see family and especially my sweet granddaughter.  All the presents are wrapped and shipped, the food shopping lists are prepared for when arrive and our plans for Christmas week in Michigan are set.  It will be hectic as always, but so much fun too.

There have been festive breakfasts, lunches, cocktail parties and dinners with friends to get us in the holiday spirit.  It is always a different feeling in Florida, but no less festive with palm trees decked with lights and Christmas parades both on land and by boat.

I tried a new recipe this morning, thinking a could recreate one of my favorite cookies my Mom used to make, but they were not a success.  Ginger Molasses cookies that should have been chewy, were dry and crumbly. I have a lot of my Mom’s recipes, but couldn’t find that one, so I will keep trying.

And, I will leave you with the cutest snow bunny with pink mittens.  My daughter lives in an area of Michigan that is known for lake effect snow and they have already had a bunch.  Audrey will have so much fun growing up there. 

Happy Wednesday and one week until Christmas!