I love this picture. In the photo, we are gazing at my wedding and engagement ring which had the tiniest, but most perfect diamond that we could afford at that time. Robert has many times asked me to "upgrade" my wedding ring, but I'm just not interested. I love my tiny diamond because it represents who we were at the beginning. Robert is the gift I gave to myself 45 years ago. Lucky me.

I passed right by the Disco Ball at Michael's. But when Robert saw it...he knew just where it needed to go! I told him that living with me for 45 years has really developed his decorative abilities! Waiting to celebrate the New Year in style with my buddy!

Their reaction made it all worth it! Inside the boxes were tiaras, make up, and rainbow braids! When I was little, a dress like this would have been impossible to imagine. These little girls are very, very, lucky! I wonder how their little girls will play dress up! It was a wonderful Christmas; I hope you had one too!

Before the busy-ness of the Christmas holiday, take time to reflect, and be grateful. I am grateful for all of you, my readers. You make my life full, filled with friendship, and purpose. I am grateful to have invited you into my life, and for you, sharing your lives with me. Blessings today and always. Jill

With all my girls in town and all the grandbabies, days are busy indeed! I might need this video more than you do!

Frances and Jay, my two youngest grandhcildren ( both about 7 months ) met each other for the first time today. Blessings all around. But a very busy day! And LOTS of dishes! Worth it!

She was a great luncheon partner, even though she didn't get a burger snack from the table! An Angel!

Here was the Agenda for the Play Date! 1) Free Play! 2) Snack Break! 3) Craft #1 - Coloring a Christmas Stocking! 4) Cookie Baking 5) Free Play! (Freeze Tag with Grandpa!) 6) Craft #2 - Making a Christmas Ornament! 7) Cookie and Milk Break! 8) Ornament Monster!! 9) Bubble Break! (where Grandpa and Grandma blow bubbles to catch, until they got dizzy!) 10) Building a Fort Under the Dining Table! Big Success! AND NO tears! Going to bed early tonight!

Co-existing with these beauties is a privilege. But when they expire whether because of disease or drought, they can be very dangerous. James and Trish had to take this Sugar Pine down because it was endangering their cabin, and any resident or visitor who might be near it. Trish was sad to see it go, as we all were, but it had to be done for safety's sake. James and Trish have a big job ahead of them as they make decisions about clearing their property. But they will definit

Robert can't wait to buy toys for Grandbaby Jay! This year, he's getting a teether...but soon, he'll be ready for remote control cars...and Walkie Talkies!!!

A Grace filled day. No surprise. I cried.

Maybe if I win the lottery this year!!!

Profession: Grandma. I couldn't be happier.

It was a delightful day with my buddy, ejoying the quiet, and the sacred space of the Cathedral. And...of course, spoiling our Gracie.

Best house on the block! More to come!

What fun to be in the mall for Christmas! (Way better than shopping online!) And shopping for Baptism dresses with my Jenny -- just wonderful! In the mall where we both grew up! such lovely memories! But you've got to see the baptism dress! We suprised ourselves!

I just love putting up the Christms Tree every year. Ok. I don't really put it up. Someone else puts it up. And, I don't really deocrate it either! I might put up a few ornaments but mostly, we have friends over to help decorate. And then I get to enjoy the whole season! Now, I did decorate the whole tree by myself during Covid. But that's really the only year that's happened. I just make sure that the ornaments are organized, and ready for prime time. And however, the tr

I have so much more that I want to say about this china! And the video was exceptionally long too! But...boy oh boy was this a fabulous find! If one was to purchase each of these separately, the price would be expotentially more. However, the real issue is this. The true reason that I was able to buy all these treasures for a song is that no one is buying Belleek china. No one is buying any kind of china. Except me! I bought this in an online auction -- so the price could

Making women feel visible is a beautiful life affirming act for them and for you. Of course, there are lots of ways that women can show their beauty, and many of them do not not have to do with their appearance. But when you're passing someone in the grocery aisle, this may be the only point of reference that you have...and so take the opportunity when it presents itself. And may I say, I am never disingenuous. I only comment when something really strikes me, so it is authen

On to trimming the tree!