Category: 2024

The loveliness of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day lingers on. All things planned and unplanned went off without a hitch. As holidays go, this Christmas season has won a spot at the top. HHH and I marvel at how fast time has flown. December 15, 2024 marked our third Christmas together, beautiful in every way.

Any Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a drive around town to look at the lights. Grabbing Miss B, (HHH’s Mom), we drove through a magical wonderland of Christmas spirit. Each year, there is one special area of town in which the neighbors go all out. This year was no different except that one house in a different neighborhood was even more beautiful. Ours.

This year, HHH made Winterpast look fantastic with an assortment of lighted designs. From homemade Christmas trees to lifelike versions of Wookie and Oliver, our yard has sparkled for weeks. Of course, the Marine across the street got into the competition, along with his next door neighbors. The result was a little corner of beauty in our part of town.

Christmas Eve began with a visit to our favorite Denny’s for breakfast. With gifts in hand, we met with a distant relative who works there. We also left a gift for the manager, who keeps our restaurant beautiful at all times of the year, not only Christmas. He makes sure our Denny’s offers the best hamburgers in the area, each and every visit.

At 6 pm, we were seated in our favorite spot in church to enjoy the candlelight service. Singing all the hymns featured in the blog this month was special. It carried me back to a simpler time in the little German church in Central California. Ending the service with “Silent Night” sung in a room full of candlelight, we were told to spread our light around our town and the world. Yes. That hymn could stop a war in the night and bring two sides together.

As a shared family tradition, we came home to open one gift. We both laughed that, as children, we observed that same rule. However, back then the gift was always new pajamas. Neither HHH or I gifted PJ’s this year, just so you know.

Going to sleep, we reminisced about waking to open presents in our early days. Thinking of late nights of toy assembly and early mornings of gifting, we laughed at how times had changed. No need to be up so early

And then……..

HHH woke me at 4:15 am to open presents.

Celebrating the day with new friends from church over Honey-Baked Ham, fresh scalloped potatoes, rolls, and veggies, the day held laughter and happiness. Life is wonderful when shared with those you love! Christmas 2024 — A Total success!!!!

Whatever you do today, take a minute to write about your 2024 holiday season. Think about how the season unfolded. You might even add notes about how your life has changed this year. First, write down the top three things for which you are grateful. Focusing on the good sets a good tone. Writing is a beautiful way to sum up the details of one heck of a year.

Some days, you’re the windshield, someday you’re the bug. Yesterday, Oliver was definitely the bug. And, he’s lucky I coudn’t find my fly swatter.

Oliver is a most difficult dog. From the moment I brought him homesix years ago, I should’ve known. First of all, he was a discount dog, reduced more than 60%. The breeder even drove him two hours to meet me in the snow-covered parking lot of a huge casino in the biggest little city west of us.

All puppies are adorable. Oliver even more so than the average puppy. Wet from car sickness on the mountain roads, he shivered as he melted into my arms. I mean, really. How much trouble can one little twelve-pound puppy be? Especially a really cute one with green eyes.

Today, I can tell you. Oliver is the worst dog I’ve ever owned in my life. Of course, he’s also the cutest and the best cuddler. In case you’re wondering why I’ve put up with so much, it’s because he’s with us for the long haul. If you were thinking about taking him off my hands, forgetaboutit. We’ll suffer through the carnage until he’s through with this stage of life. At this rate, I predict that will take about ten more years.

HHH went overboard for Christmas. With thoughtful and sweet gifts, he went the extra mile. There were gifts for everything I love. A beautiful cross necklace. A splendid piece of furniture, well hidden in wrapping. Heirloom seeds and sprouting trays. A little of this and a lot of that.

The most unique gift is a 1,000-piece puzzle of the Majestic Princess, our last cruise ship. From shore, he snapped a picture, photographing the complete ship in all her splendor. Who would’ve known you could order a wooden puzzle from a personal photo? He did.

Beginning on Christmas evening, with both of us working, it’s taking some time. There is an expanse of blue sky, lots of ocean, and then, the ship.

When we began, we knew the canine vacuum known as Oliver hovered below the table. He’ll eat anything and everything. It doesn’t need to be food. If it smells like us, all the better. So, we’d both be on the lookout for Destructo-dog.

The first night, we both worked on the puzzle for hours, finally deciding to get some sleep and continue the next morning. In the morning, I got some coffee and went to work. Sometime between sipping coffee and separating puzzle pieces, one was knocked to the ground. Hearing a strange munching sound, it was too late. Our beautiful puzzle is now a 999-piece puzzle while Oliver is banished from the dining room.

There are days I would like to pack a little backpack and send him on his way. It wouldn’t work. He’s micro-chipped and whoever found the little beast would quickly return him.

The missing piece will be part of the story of the puzzle. Planning to decoupage it and hang it on the wall, there will be one piece of water missing. When people ask what happened, we’ll gladly tell them all about it.

Whatever you do today, avoid looking into the eyes of a sweet little discount dog on a cold winter’s day. He’ll melt your heart and you’ll lose your life to the little beast, no matter how destructive.

Oliver………….

Oy Vey.

Oh, where do I even begin? HHH, his four brothers, and various cousins and friends have an annual tradition. Every year, the days between Christmas and New Year’s are reserved for ice fishing. Now, when HHH says “ice fishing,” he might as well be saying, “I’m going to brave the frozen tundra for fun with my bros.” Because that’s what it is, folks—a weekend getaway from the holiday chaos and retirement, which, includes me and the dogs.

Before Christmas last year, I asked him what he needed for this “fishing excursion.” Simple: a parka that could double as a tent, boots that could withstand a blizzard, a thermal flask, a bucket of snacks, and of course, his trusty fishing rod. I made sure Christmas 2023 was packed with a few extras for the outing including an Ice Fishing Tent and a fish-finder thing-a-ma-jig. With sadness, all these things stayed in their boxes, as there was no ice last year. Hence, no ice fishing.

Through news reports, 2024 ice is a bit better.

Yesterday, he was up before the sun, giddy with delight. (If you didn’t know, ice fishing brings out a very particular kind of joy in men—a mix of smug satisfaction and childlike wonder.) He hurried around the house grabbing last-minute belongings, not forgetting anything.

HHH is an expert at packing. Having experienced this adventure for 40 years, he knew exactly what things to put in the back of the truck. Along with the gear, he fixed himself two delicious ham sandwiches and packed a suitcase full of clothes.

After dropping him off at The Mayor’s house, I returned to Winterpast—ready to enjoy some peace and quiet of my own. I’ll admit, I’m amused by the thought of five brothers and friends on the ice. The thought of “Grumpy Old Men” came to mind.

Fast forward to late in the afternoon. HHH texted me a picture of him holding the biggest bloody trout I’ve ever seen. He later called with an update. The conversation went something like this:

Me: “Wow! That’s one heck of a trophy fish! How are things going.”

HHH: “Well, it’s been tough. The fish weren’t biting today.” He then fessed up that trophy fish belonged to an angler across the way. It WAS a beauty. Heck, I’d like a picture holding that 23″ beauty (although I would have rinsed it off first).

Me: “Really? You’re out there freezing your toes off, and no fish?”

Mark: “Nope, but the ice got pretty thin when we left. We had to wade a little. A friend had water up to his chest. He’s in the shower now, trying to warm up.”

After hearing a few more “updates” throughout the day, I could tell he was bonding with the other guys over a shared love of being in the cold for no reason at all, except to say they did it. (You know, because that’s what real men do—suffer for the thrill of it in chest level ice cold water.)

With a quick turnaround, HHH will be back home to celebrate New Year’s Eve at Winterpast. As he was leaving, I promised to have dinner waiting for him. Not being a fan of fish, I really hope they don’t catch many, or better yet, catch hundreds only to let them go to be caught another day.

I’m sure he’ll have plenty to share about freezing winds and “intense survival challenges”. I hope the wolves stay far from the clam shell and the ice doesn’t melt anymore than it already has. The main goal is that everyone will return in one piece, while what happens at the icy lake stays at the icy lake.

The best part of his trips will always be the bonding time between men-folk. Our fellas need guy time. Far too many men spend hour after hour on the couch without any chance to escape. I hope he returns home tired, disheveled, and ready to put away the clamshell and fish finder for another year.

Next year? I’ll be ready to drop him off at The Mayor’s house again. Because this time, I just might plan a winter adventure of my own. Hmmmmm. A day at the spa sounds much more grand than one on a frozen lake. We’ll just see about that.

More tomorrow.

As the year draws to a close, there’s something magical about the way life comes full circle, and tonight will be a perfect reflection of that. My husband has been out on an ice fishing trip for a few days, braving the chill and the quiet of the frozen lake while I’ve been holding down the fort at home with Oliver and Wookie. Anticipation of his return reminded me how much I cherish the moments we spend together.

Ollie and Wookie have been moping around Winterpast, deserted by their best friend. As I’ve been preparing for his return, they’re already pacing, ears perked and listening for the garage door opening . With every passing car, their excitement spikes and then they return to their anxious waiting. They knew their favorite person is on his way back.

Every time his truck pulls into the driveway, the dogs erupt in joyous barks and tail wags. Their own mini celebration right there in the laundry room. Somedays, this crazy greeting is totally annoying, but today, I’ll be there with them.

While the dogs shower him with love, I’ll be busy preparing a special dinner to mark the occasion. Our New Year’s Eve dinner will be a cozy, festive experience, filled with warmth and flavors we’ll enjoy as we welcome 2025 together.

As this year closes, I’m so grateful for the little things—the time spent in the kitchen, the dogs still circling around us, and my husband safely back home. There’s something special about making a meal for someone you love, especially when it’s a moment of celebration.

A delicious dinner and dessert will be nice, but the true sweetness of the evening is always in the simple moments we share. Whether laughing over stories from a past trip or planning for the amazing vegetables and flowers for 2025, the conversation flows easily. It’s moments like this that, when strung together, build a beautiful life.

Heading into the new year, I’m filled with gratitude and excitement. We’ve come through so much together, and I’m ready for whatever 2025 brings. The thought of spending another year by HHH’s side, with Oliver and Wookie adding their craziness, fills me with warmth and hope. Together, we’ll navigate the highs and lows of life while with each passing day, our bond grows stronger.

Here’s to new beginnings, to love, and to the comfort of home. I couldn’t think of a better way to ring in the new year than with my husband by my side and our furry friends at our feet.

Happy New Year, everyone! May it be filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments with the ones you hold dear.