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.
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."
6 comments:
...Ragamuffins Coffee is a clever name. It sounds like you had a tradition rich Christmas. Have a Healthy and Happy New Year.
Love the name of the coffee shop! I'm guessing the owners are retiring...at least I hope that's the reason and not this economy!
Your Christmas day sounds like so much fun with family and friends.
I hope you have a good start to the new year!
I love the Fives, too. Such a helpful habit all through the year.
I think your coffee shops, new and old, should have a permanent spot on your Fives. Sorry this one had to close, but glad you got one last visit in.
What a joy to be able to make beautiful things with all the tools you need.
Your day sounded delightful and full of good things to eat and fun with your beloveds.
It's sad when a favorite place closes, but I am glad you got a last visit in and could let the owner know how much you enjoyed it. Sounds like you had a wonderful Christmas day! I agree about the winter solstice--it's nice to know we'll gain a bit more daylight each day.
Oh too bad about your coffee shop. Merry Christmas and happy New Year.
Sounds like a perfect Christmas day! I love your matching sweaters. I am sorry about your coffee shop. That's a bummer! Maybe someone will buy it or start up a new one? That loom looks interesting. I can only imagine how nice it would be to make something so special with your own hands! I do not have that talent. Thank you for sharing yours with others. Blessings to you and yours for the New Year.
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