Another Chrismas has come and gone

......and as always Texas weather has been interesting. One week ago it was 24! Yesterday the 26th, I had to turn on the air conditioner as it was 82 out!!! What a wonderful Christmas we have had. (We celebrated on the 26 to accommodate every one's schedules.) We started out the day with late Brunch with youngest son, his sweet wife her mom and our two beautiful grandchildren. Oldest son his wife joined us, along with 3rd daughter-in-law! We exchanged gifts and were then joined by extended families - sisters nieces and nephews, and the great nieces and nephews! We had such a great day, and the weather was so good! Our house is just not big enough for this big a group, so we adjourn to the shed (husband's workshop - 40x60 bldg that makes a perfect party barn!!!)

We talked to our son in the Army who is stationed in Afghanistan on both Christmas Day and the 26th!!!! He is doing well and sounds good, it was such a good surprise to hear from him. Sweet husband and son talked for over an hour. Son sounded tired, but as always is in good spirits. He is very busy but feels the work he and his team does is doing good for the people there. We have had many pictures from him, and son looks so good. Son is 38 and suffered a back injury several years ago, (jumping from a perfectly good airplane for an army competition) and he is probably in the best shape of his life. He is running 5 to 8 miles everyday and may participate in a marathon! Our oldest son in the marathon runner. Army son has always run, but only for needed exercise, and after his accident, I really thought he would never include this much running in his exercise routine! Son will be coming home on leave for 2 weeks the end of January, actually will be flying home on his birthday! It will be so good to see him. His sweet wife certainly is ready for him to be home, but it is so hard to say good-bye again in only two weeks!!!! I will be so happy for him to be home for good - next September!!! The past few months have been quick, so hopefully the remainder of this tour will go by as quickly!!!

I am so thankful for the freedoms we have and to live in America. We do have economic problems, but we do live in a country with no restrictions and much religious freedom and that I am thankful for!

A Peek at Winter

The weather in Texas changes often, with highs in the mid 70s over the weekend, however, today we got a peek at old man winter today. The high today was 38 with a low of 28. I have been walking everyday, so out I was for a 55 minute walk. The wind was not too bad today, and I layered my clothes, so I fared pretty good. We will get a little reprieve from the cold tomorrow as the forecast is for a high of 55. I hope to stay with my exercise daily. If I can make it through the winter peek, I think I am home free!

With Christmas right around the corner, I have a lot to do to be ready. I haven't put up my Christmas tree yet, but hope to in the next day or so. I have most shopping done, only a few items left. With a retirement budget, I have had to make major changes in my holiday spending. All the family will be here to celebrate on the 26th except for son in Afghanastan. We have been getting lots of pictures from him. He seems to be doing well. Son tells us that they expect the bad winter weather soon in the area. I am thankful for each safe day son and his soldiers have.

Auction in East Texas

Husband loves auctions! He went to two yesterday. The first was a car/boat auction, thank goodness he did not buy anything this time. A few weeks ago he bought another boat. The number of boats we own seems to be growing--the latest addition is a 24 foot deck boat. We currently have a 25 foot sailboat at Lake Ray Hubbard, a sailboat we bought on EBay and had to go to Orlando to get, a small sailboat/rowboat we went to Kansas to get! So I made him promise he would not get another project boat. After, the morning auction, we drove to a friend in East Texas to their Christmas auction. Friend bought several pieces of crystal, comic book, shelves and Christmas pieces for her mantle. I bought a bicycle planter that is just too cute and a silver plated coffee server. We had a great time.

It is cold this morning, hovering at 32 and I am going to bundle up and go for a walk. I have done good on diet and exercise this week, then fell off the wagon last night and ate donuts. We will go to church with friend this morning. I love her little country church.

A Week of Dieting, Exercise and Shopping

My how time flies when you are having fun!!! I have had quite a week. Exercised 4 out of 5 days; walking 2 miles each day. Today I added hand weights! Hopefully I won't be too sore tomorrow. I have started back on low carb diet and done good this week. I haven't weighed this week, want to wait till next week. I have to go back to doctor on December 18, and sure hope I have shed a few pounds!!! Just made veselka’s cabbage soup cabbage soup from http://smittenkitchen.com/ Great soup! And to top the week off, I have shopped 5 days in a row!

Last night I went to dinner with sister, and daughter in law at the Blue Canyon. We went for happy hour ($4 Martinis - several different recipes!!!). A really good time was had by all!!!

This evening, husband and I are baby sitting with grandaughter and grandson! They are watching RV with Robin Williams. They are laughing a lot, so they must be enjoying it!