The Very Last Post of 2024

 So...just before the ball drops and we greet the new year 2025, I wanted to just share a couple of photos I took of our Christmas decorations.

The Christmas tree was minimally decorated this year.

The Professor set up one of his trains on a table next to the tree.  Note the gold airplane on top of one of the cars.  That is Warrior Boy's Christmas ornament for this year.  He chose to place his plane on the train and not the tree.

My favorite decor for this year was the mitten wreath.  If you have read earlier posts you will have seen pictures of some of the mittens.  I may be a bit obsessed with knitting these mittens.

Okay

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

On to 2025!

I shall close out the year with this Irish blessing.

May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine war upon your face, The rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Last Fave Five of 2024

 Our very last 2024 Friday Fave Fives.  Thanks to Susanne for hosting us every Friday!  I am thankful for this exercise in gratitude because it helps me focus on the blessings of the week instead of the difficulties.  If you feel 'down in the dumps', every evening try writing down every small or large thing that has made you smile, made you happy during the day.  It will make a huge difference in your perspective.

Here are my Five thoughts on the past week.  Of course, it was hard to choose just five from this wonderful week.

1.  We have been enjoying visiting a small coffee shop in a nearby village even before we moved here four and a half years ago.  When we would visit our daughters here, we'd make sure we drove over to Ragamuffins Coffee at least once.  Two weeks ago, The Professor got a text telling all customers that the owners were selling the shop.  [insert broken heart here]  So we joined T and S our coffee couple there last week for a final visit.  The owner was there and we were able to have a quick conversation with him to tell him how much we enjoyed the coffee and treats and especially the atmosphere he provided.  It was bittersweet but still wonderful.

2.  Obviously, we were in the midst of getting everything ready for Christmas.  One thing I always do is make 'Grandma Rylander rolls'.  It's a family tradition (and my cousins and their kids make them, too).  And I also bake 'Grandma Graf's sugar cookies'.  They're always a hit.  I love passing on the recipes and traditions.

3.  The Winter Solstice!  That means our days will slowly be getting longer.  More light!

4.  I pulled out my long neglected little loom and wove a scarf for someone on my gift list.  I enjoyed getting back into doing something I enjoy (but sometimes ignore because life just gets in the way).

5.  Christmas!  Family arrived and we put together a brunch that included eggs, bacon, sausage, and The Professor's famous coffee cake (two of them, one regular and one gluten free) and of course plenty of coffee.  We opened our Christmas stockings.  Then after we cleaned up brunch, we opened our Christmas gifts.  It was so much fun to see the joy and excitement on everyone's faces.  As if we were already hungry again... Christmas dinner.  T and S arrived in time to share dinner with us. Eleven of us around two tables (teens had their own table).  We lingered a long time over dessert and just chatted.  After T and S left to take care of their dogs, the games came out.  Yes, it was a long day but absolutely wonderful.

One of the few photos from Christmas Day

Bonus:  Christmas Eve service at our church.  It was a wonderful celebration of the reason we have Christmas.  To give thanks for Jesus, born in a manger in Bethlehem, the Messiah promised for our salvation.  For all people everywhere. 

"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord."

Fave Fives of December, Third Week

I am a bit late posting my Fave Fives.  But at least I'm here.  These weeks before Christmas are always a bit crazy.  That's why it is important for me (and others) to hit the pause button and remember the blessings of the week.  Thanks to Susanne hosting us every week, Friday Fave Fives helps me focus on things I am thankful for.

1. Younger Son (Dr. Mike) flew back last weekend after being away on business for two weeks.  We're glad he's safely home and settled back in.

2.  On Saturday afternoon, we met up with an old friend from college who was driving home from a long term work assignment and passing within 15 miles of us.  It was great to spend a couple of hours catching up and just enjoying each others' company.  Hopefully, we'll be able to connect again soon as his daughter lives less than an hour away from us.

3.  Christmas parties!  Friday night was so much fun!

4.  I love the library!  I can find a book in the library system and put a request in for it and then it magically appears on the hold shelf with my name on the paper sticking out of the cover.  Isn't it amazing?

5.  I love getting those texts from my girls--"Hey, Come on over to the coffee shop."  After so many years of living so far away from both Older and Younger Daughters, I am so thankful to live nearby and see them all the time.

Before our  next Friday Fave Five, we will have celebrated Christmas!  Merry Christmas to ALL!

Off To Ireland: Part 10!

Aran Isles!  I was SO EXCITED to finally visit these famous islands!  It has been a dream of mine for years!

Our ferry took us to Inis Mor, the largest of the three Aran Islands.  We departed our beautiful Dromoland Hotel in Shannon, left our tour bus at the ferry terminal at Rossaveel, the main port for ferry transport in Galway Bay, and crossed the sea to dock on the island.

In the bay and on the sea.

(Pictures that are more sepia toned were taken from inside the ferry.  The 'normal' ones I took out on the deck.)

Aran Islands!

Innis Mor!

We walked along the bay and boarded our small tour bus which drove us to a tiny village where we could hike up to Dun Aengus, an important archaeological site. It was a prehistoric hill fort situated on the edge of a 300 feet high cliff.  Of course, we had to hike up to the top.

Yes, people really do get that close to the edge of the cliff.  In fact, I saw a guy lying on the edge leaning over to take photos down to the surf below.

We couldn't stay too long and wander around the fort because we had to be back at the bus in time to not be left.

Eleanor was tired after that long hike up and down and needed a short rest.

Coffee and a scone helped restore her energy.

But the absolute best part of our visit to Innis Mor was this:  I didn't plan to buy an Aran sweater there.  My intent was to purchase some wool and knit my own sweater.  But then I found this sweater.  I couldn't resist.

After driving by along the coastal roads and returning to the village at the bay, we had a few minutes to wander around.  I loved the amazing views and village buildings.

I wish I could have stayed for a week on Innis Mor!  Do you see why this was my favorite place to visit?

A Cold Merry December Fave Five

It's time again to stop, take a breath, and remember what good things have happened this past week.  Friday Fave Fives with Susanne as our host.  It is so easy during this crazy busy Christmas season to forget to relax and 

1.  Nutcracker!  Older Daughter loves ballet and for the past few years has been involved in the Nutcracker productions presented by the local ballet school.  Last year, I was ill and not able to attend, so I was especially happy to watch her dancing as one of the ladies at the ball in the first scene.  Also, she sings in the small group of carolers before the show.  I love her creativity and am so glad we could all attend as a family.

2.  At Sights and Sounds of Christmas last week, we were talking with our neighbor who conducts one of the church choirs.  He told us that the local private university has a Gospel Choir that was performing the next evening!  How did we not know this??  Of course we went and thoroughly enjoyed all the beautiful music.

3.  Our weather on Sunday was mild.  Like in the 50Fs.  Younger Daughter and I took advantage of that and took her two very excited dogs for a four mile hike at the local arboretum.  We chose the wilder east side of the arboretum and didn't met a single other hiker.  What a refreshing and fun hike!

4.  After Sunday our weather took a down turn in temperatures.  Our snowfall was minimal and only dusted the trees, lawns and bushes.  But it was still beautiful.  Will we have a White Christmas?

5.  Yesterday, after a couple of other stops on the way, Younger Daughter and I drove into the city and spent a few hours shopping for those last Christmas presents.  (I hope those were the last ones!)  We had a fun time and I think we chose some perfect presents for the people on our 'nice' list.  And it was fun to spend that time with her.

I hope you can take some time during this Christmas season to think about all the blessings our your life.

Off To Ireland: Part 9!

After we left the cliffs of Moher, we retraced our steps a bit and drove into the rural area of County Clare to visit a goat farm, specifically a goat cheese making farm.  St. Tola Goat Cheese Farm.  Its cheese is famous in Ireland and also internationally. 

We were given a tour of the goat barn and offered a variety of cheeses and wines to accompany the cheese.

And we met the goats.

Evidently, yoga and meditation is the secret to their amazing cheese.

A bit of Irish humor at the low doorway

The next day was my favorite of our entire time in Ireland! Guess where!