Christmas at Grandma G's...Post Views 9540

    I had "Grandma G's" Christmas dinner here this afternoon.  FUN....lots of work, but....FUN.  

                                       All the stockings were hung (and stuffed)

                                    Presents under the tree (three each)

Traditional lighted Christmas village

(It stays up through January)

 Family dinner (Zach not here; he was sick)

New York cut roast (pre-roasted)

Pineapple upside down cake (left overs)

   Christmas bouquet

                    Gifts........

Micaela gets her very own......cantaloupe....

         Bentley gets a large jar of peanut butter......

       Favorite joke of the day:  Jake gets a small gift bag with tissue paper inside and a note from Grandma that reads, "I ran out of money but I wanted you to have another gift to open". 

(He did get a gift card shortly after.)

      This has been a good Christmas dinner day in the life of Grandma G.

     "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights who does not change like shifting shadows." (James 1:17)

       

  

Merry Christmas to All.....Post Views 9505

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

"But the Angel said to them[shepherds], 'Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you, he is Christ the Lord.  This will be a sign to you.  You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger'."

   Season's Greetings from  the GeoLou Schmidts

                                              (The Grand Canyon, Oct. 2013)

From the Wisconsin Grand-Schmidts

From the California/Washington Grand-Schmidts

                         This has been a good 2 Christmas Eve and Day in the life of Grandma G.

                 "The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world."  (John 1:9)

Pre-Christmas Days.....Post Views 9485

         On Sunday morning I had (almost) recovered from the stress and disappointment of Saturday.  I stopped by a grocery on the way to church and picked out a cheese, sausage and cracker tray to take to the snack time after the service.  It all was eaten except for the tangy olives.  Singing my song went well. That was a gift and blessing to myself---and I'm sure to everyone else.
        By mid afternoon I was ready for a long winter's nap.  That is what I did---for 2&1/2 hours.   For the evening I watched an uplifting movie---I think, The Revenge of Khan.  Well, it WAS entertaining while I did an hour's stretching exercises.
       
     
     






Success story.....I bought a small Christmas cactus last December.  It was simply a green cactus the rest of the year.  About 2 weeks ago it started to bloom----it must be Christmas time.  Success, because it is still here and larger this year.  Most plants survive a mere few weeks with me caring for them.  It must be Christmas!  New goal---keep this cactus living for all the years I am here in the PNW.  It is a reminder of my first Christmas here.  

       On Monday it was time to tend to ordinary living needs. So the laundry got done, SOME dishes got washed, I went to the bank to make a deposit.  Oops, I forgot the money.  No going back home in rush hour traffic for me.  Hopefully all is stable until after Christmas.  Mailed out the grandkids' Christmas cards.  I'm sure they will be excited enough with their Santa presents to not notice that Grandma G is late---again.
         I went on to Fred Myers to buy a few things.  The place was a jingle jungle.  Sure was glad to be finished and heading home.
         The evening brought about a bit of Christmas prep along with 1&1/2 hours piano practice time.  This season is rather out of the ordinary for me.  It doesn't seem like Christmas time already.  I think because I am not knee deep in snow and sub zero weather,  there is NOT the "hurry, hurry, hurry" of past years and the concern about travel conditions because I am flying somewhere.  This is all good!  GOOD.....RELAXED.....

Peanut Butter Blossoms---yummy!

                               Most decorated house in the neighborhood......

       This has been a good 2 pre-Christmas days in the life of Grandma G.

        "Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings.  They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights.  For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light."  (Psalms 36:8-9)

       

12/21.....must mean something.....Post Views 9417

          On this "shortest day" of the year I never noticed that the is date 12/21.  HMMMM.   Must be significant that tonight ends the downward spiral of "less daylight" (if you are in the northern hemisphere) and then begins the upward advance of more daylight.  HMMM.
         My day has been one of "reverses".  I had the day planned for 3 main projects--- practice for singing my song tomorrow at church, baking spritz cookies with my new electric spritz maker and driving myself to an open house 75th B-day party about 8 miles south of here.  A number of interferences occurred throughout the day. My son, Gerry, from California called. (I missed the call at first since the ring tones blended right in with the Christmas music I was listening to.) We discussed a new business venture he is pursuing.  At the same time some unexpected texts came in from friends in northern Wisconsin.  
      About midday the fellow who has been looking at the Nissan to buy called to come over with money and forms to sign.  Yeah!   Wisconsin car is SOLD.   It took awhile to make sure we were doing business legally and have the proper documents.  
      Daughter, Angie, from Wisconsin sent a text that read "I received 2 blank texts last night??"   My reply, "Gosh, I don't know....I must have blanked out."  After a few texts back and forth I boldly texted,  "Do you want to TALK on the phone?"  There followed 4 unsuccessful attempts to connect with each other.
     FINALLY....it was time to start the spritz cookies.  I had washed up the design discs last night.  Upon reviewing the directions I realized there are pieces missing from the gadget.  No spritz cookies today.  Next choice, make up the dough for Sandies AKA Mexican Wedding Cakes AKA Russian tea cakes. The dough needs to refrigerate several hours. (I need cookies or "sweets" for a treat time after church tomorrow.)                
 












 HOWEVER, the sun was shining and the temperature 51 degrees.  One has to go walking on such a lovely day.  And, that, one did.

 






         

         By then it was time to get ready for the B-day party I was looking forward to.  This was the opportunity to drive myself through city traffic.....show me and world I can do it.  And a great time to bond more with people who are growing into friends.  Right before leaving I double checked that I knew how to get there, or at least, how to follow directions.  Oops...need a few adjustments to directions.  I have not driven this area by myself before.  Oops....I am not experienced with "round abouts" .   I think I am going the opposite direction.  I KNOW I am going the opposite direction.  Once back in the right direction all was smooth.....until I find myself on the ramp  up to the Interstate 205 North.  Nothing to do but keep going....all the way north until I am almost home again.  At this point it is dark, I know where I am....I am headed home. No 75th B-day party for me today.  Once back home I did something I haven't done since moving out here....I cried.  The time seemed more like 9 PM than 5. (Still no cookies baked for tomorrow and no dough sitting in the refrigerator.)  So I ate a half of bag of BBQ potato chips and a bag of frozen noodles. Well, I didn't eat them frozen, they spent adequate in the microwave.  
        I think the real issue is being on my own---to have to go places and figure things out alone.  But it was my choice to move here and its time to be a big girl and "buck up".  SOB.
        Daughter, Angie's, call came at just the right time this evening..  Not for her, because she had to listen to me sob.  We had a good chat for an hour.  I have recovered.  Sorta.
        I'm sure one of the many grocery stores here will have cookies to buy when on the way to church in the morning.  
       After all today is 12/21 or 21/12 or 11/22 or 22/11 or 12/12 or 21/21 or 21/12....

      This has been a good mixed 12/21 day in the life of Grandma G.  

       "The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory."  (Isaiah 60:19)
               

I'm Back.....Post Views 9403

      Grandma G messed up her computer---again.  IT man, Chuck, bailed me out----again.  Earlier this week I "downloaded" a website for free clip art (for the elf pictures).  It didn't mention all the bunch of junk that came along with it. I ended up with "pop up" ads all over the place and eventually not able to type on my blog.   My computer should be all cleaned up now.  
       This has been a leisurely busy week.  The "biggie"  was Monday evening into 2 AM on Tuesday.  I decided it was time to trim the Christmas tree.  Last year I bought all red and silver decorations and red and white lights, a few twinkling.  That color pattern is still beautiful this year.  

From "plain" to gorgeous in 6 hours and the 3 movie marathon of "The Santa Clause".   Fun evening, though I decided this will be my last year enjoying Christmas prep alone.  Woo! Woo!










         Tuesday around noon the "Air Doctor" came over to check out my furnace and heat pump.  A heat pump is not something one would find in Wisconsin or probably anywhere east of the Rockies.  It is stationed outside and serves for both heat and air conditioning. There is also a furnace in the house.  The young good looking "doctor" explained that I had the filters put in backwards, that dirty filters can overwork the motor causing it to overheat, that if the airflow is hindered then the electric heat kicks on and causes higher heating bills.  He cleaned out both units, stating that the heat pump is in excellent shape, but that the "squealing" noise I hear is the motor that needs to be replaced.  Hmmmm.  I want to keep the furnace system working well, so new motor will be coming soon.


          The afternoon was a little milder so it was time for a walk.  There was big excitement in the neighborhood-----a new "double wide" manufactured home was being delivered.  This one fills up our park of 200 homes.  It was fun to watch for awhile.

         













Though it is winter, there are hints of February "spring".  











         Wednesday and today I spent time with 19 year old granddaughter, Angie.  Tuesday morning she had outpatient surgery to implant a spinal nerve stimulator.  She has had constant pain for 3 years since surgery for a tethered spinal cord.  This is the last therapy to enable her to get on with life.  She has a small gadget that tingles the nerves, thus suppressing the pain receptors.  For the next 8 weeks she needs to be careful to not jar the wires until they heal well.  I will follow this process and keep us all posted.

       The roads were a bit slick as I drove over to Angie's house.  There was rain and cold temperatures overnight causing ice on the roads.  This is one reason for moving AWAY from Wisconsin.  Guess a few days throughout the winter is much better than 6 months worth.

      I have determined to get back to practicing piano......with plans of doing/giving a performance/show here in the park club house in March.   You all come and clap for me.......

       Christmas cards are starting to come in.  Yeah!

              My favorite note.......
 

      This has been a good 3 leisurely, busy pre-Christmas days in the life of Grandma G.

      "The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned."   (Matthew 4:16)

Sorry, I can not type for some reason....Post Views 9390

Yes, Virginia,err, Georgia, it DOES SNOW in Washington....Post Views 9367

     One day last week it snowed.  Even my duck pond froze over.

     It didn't last very long......






Saturday I had a grandma Christmas prep day.  All day I had Christmas music playing while addressing 18 cards to my grand kids and typed up an elf letter to them..... 

A box of 18 cards....
ready made for Grandma G's 18 grand kids 

Dear sweet Grandma G elves I will miss being with you

This Christmas.  I know you will have great fun with your

Family.  Jesus will bless you as you celebrate his Birthday. 

I will see you at Eastertime.  I love you!!  Grandma G

    Sunday was another great pre Christmas day.   At our church service we sang several Christmas carols.  After enjoying an invited lunch out to Chinese cuisine and enjoyable sociability it was time to return home.  There I talked on the phone with 7 year old B-day boy, Eddie, in Wisconsin.  He eagerly told me about his B-day...how they went to Chuckee Cheese. Also sent text messages to Deb and Keys in  honor of their anniversary. 

 Eddie, on the left with cousins.

  The evening brought an activity I have not participated in for many years.....Christmas caroling.  I joined a group who walked around our neighborhood for an hour.  We sang at 10 homes.  At the last home there were three adults on the porch...one held a year old baby.  The baby clapped and clapped.  That was the highlight of the evening.  After caroling we enjoyed refreshments.  I was the good, health conscious one who brought cheese and crackers in the midst of a mountain (small one) of sweets.  

    This has been a good 3 pre-Christmas days in the life of Grandma G.

    "Your word [Lord] is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path".        (Psalm 119:105)