We spent some time with b. schlake at his beautiful garden paradise. We got there to late to see it but it was nice to walk through. We went over to play some card and talk while enjoying some adult beverages. b. schlake wife prepared some nice snacks and was fun to get together for awhile and talk. Min and I always enjoy a visit with the schlake family. Even when one cheats at spades and still loses.
We spent Christmas eve afternoon with Grand Ma in the nursing home. She wanted Chinese for dinner so Min brought dinner and we gathered with Jim and part of his family. To say it was enjoyable is a double edge sword, in ways it is since we spend time with Grand Ma. But in some ways it is not, since nursing homes are depressing places and there is not much we can do other than talk while Grand Ma enjoys dinner. We have a few laughs and exchange gifts with her and talk about what the we all hope Christmas will bring. I feel for Min as she gets a bit depressed seeing her mom this way and there is nothing she can do to change how life is for Grand Ma. So goes Christmas Eve 2008 with Grand Ma. Merry Christmas ...
With the year end coming quickly it makes me think back on the year as well as the years. The boys were learning how to fish off the Lakeside Ohio dock from their mother who was taught by Grand Mother Kelso. Passing down traditions from generations to generations if one way we live on eternal. My Father once told me long after he is gone I will be walking around and he hoped so would his grand kids and some day great grand kids. He said it was one of the ways people live on and make a mark. Dad passed on in 2000 and mom in 2002 but I still think of them every day and look at my sons as what they also left behind. Time passes to quick and not often appreciated as much as it should be, once gone we can never travel back. Well not yet.
The shopping is done and the family gatherings come later but we give thanks for little things like Cooper. This is a snap shots I took from the hip as we headed out to go shopping on the 23rd. This is about the only way to get a picture of Cooper since he always wants to come and give kisses when you get down on the floor or close to him. He is our rescue dog and the gift we got last year keeps on giving this year. There is a reason if you spell God backwards you have such a loving friend. Hope everyone enjoys Christmas this year. Have a Merry and safe one.
Well 2008 is almost gone and Christmas time is here again. Always a fun time and this year do to vacation rules I have two weeks off to enjoy the season. The new rule at work is use it or lost it, so I had 6 days left and I am burning them before they are gone. We will spend a little time at Grand Ma's place on Christmas Eve sharing gifts and watching Grand Ma eat. We will head over to Min's Father's house to spend Christmas day with Martha and him. The boys get lots of gifts and it is always a good time to sit around and enjoy time with Grand Pa.
Dinner at the grill is always nice, the chef is entertaining as well as good food. I always feel full after a dinner at a Japanese restaurant. This one happens to be on Hilton Head Island, near the Circle.
Seems like life is full of them, it is how you deal with them that makes life. Not sure how to handle some news but will ponder it and deal with what I have seen of late. The picture is a dual toned Ash leaf I photographed back in 2006 while it was floating on Powell Crosley Lake in Rowe Woods. Seems a fitting picture for the times.
