Gotta go finish my pie!!!

What a fun Christmas surprise! As we arrived, they were just beginning their most elaborate Christmas decoration...the Ginger Bread Train! When we went down for breakfast the next day, they were assembling the train, icing for the snow, special gingerbread wheels, and the most darling toy train from the North Pole! A perfect way to start the holiday!

It was actually a rather last minute decision...and then I caught a cold and we almost didn't go! But I was able to push through, and we took it easy (does shopping for 7 hours count for taking it easy?). We arrived at 11:00 a.m. and by 2:00 p.m. we had only covered ONE AISLE of the convention center! That made us laugh! We learned our lesson, though, and moved a little more quickly, but still had to chat up lots of the other shoppers, so that took up a lot of time too. Nonet

36 hours in Austin! Still recovering!

It's hard to believe. Let's call it out. Join me.

And it's all because of Robert.

It's hard to say good bye each year as we close the cabin. But we always have plans for the upcoming season ( which include this year...a new water heater!), and we look forward to more time on the mountain. We are grateful for our Silver City Community, the friends, the campfires, the potlucks, and the promise of our time together next season!

Every time we go up, all of these things have to happen! So it's unclear exactly how long Robert and I (both of a certain age) will physically be able to do this. But I try not to think about that, and just enjoy the time that we have now. It's a beautiful place that we have been able to enjoy together. And I am grateful to Robert for that.

We're intrepid!

When I re-watched the video -- I laughed so hard! Nothing went right but that's ok - that's what happens in life. And I think laughing is the best response! I'll let you know when I find my 2024 advent calendar!

So much to be thankful for! So many turkeys! What a good day!

So grateful for all the color still in my garden. The creatures are enjoying it, and so am I. But I will have to put in a winter garden soon -- because the grands are giving me the business! "Grandma, where did the tomatoes go?" Well...new plants coming soon dear ones!

They're called fantasy for a reason! Past years of Neiman Marcus Fanasy Gifts have included his and hers camels, orante Chinese junks, and 2,000 year-old Egyptian mummy cases. I wonder how many personal photo shoots that Annie Leibovitz will do? Or how many saddles Christian Louboutin will make? There must be a cap on some of these extraordinary items! Anyway, it's a fun start to the shopping season! Enjoy!

Very lucky We're all Halloween'ed out -- but it was a wonderful time with my buddy and my grandchildren. A few down days then...Thanksgiving!