Back to Montana - Switchover Day 4

It's Day 4 in Billings and today I have so much planned that it deserves an entry all of it's own.  Let's get it started.  June Bug is everywhere this morning and I'm falling for this sweet gal.  Run Deb, run fast.

We are all hustle and bustle this morning trying to get out the door.  Malea is being non-cooperative and feels as though she is ready to go.  Mom and Kasey have both battled with her to get snow pants and boots on, without success.  I ask if they want me to  try and they throw up their hands and agree.  One harsh sentence from Gammy and we are soon getting ready to leave.  Yep, I'm just that dang scary when the deep, no nonsense voice comes out.  They are just not around me enough to know what they can get away with.  It's a nice tool to use occasionally.  I don't want to be the mean one all the time, but dang it -- we need to go.

Back to Montana - Rhiana's Family - Days 1-3

It's time to get this new travel year started!  I'm on an early morning flight to Montana for a week with Matt and Rhiana's families.   I haven't had a winter visit up there in a long time.  I'm packed, a the airport and waiting -- let's fly.

Upon my arrival, I exit the building and discover that no one is here to pick me up.  Well this is an auspicious beginning.  I get a cab and instruct the driver to take me to the school where Rhiana teaches.  After a quick hello to my daughter and her classroom, Kasey picks me up and we are soon on our way to get Malea so that I can have some one on one time with her while everyone else works.  There is a sweet little puppy in the truck as well and although I'm not a dog person, I could do this one.  She is just so tiny.  Say hello to June Bug.

2015 - Year in Review

Wow -- another year has come and gone.  It truly seems that the older one gets, the quicker the years fly by.  I have absolutely no idea where it went.  Shall we take a look back and see?

January started out with Elena and Malea here for 2 weeks.  What a super special treat for us.  From there we went right into watching the Ohio State Marching Band - which I have admired for YEARS -- and then off to Boston I went with my nephew, Bob.  That was such a fun time and so great for both of us.  With such a great start to the new year, this month ended on a really tough note.  A dear friend lost his battle with cancer and I lost a true soul mate.  I don't think I've known sadness this deep before.

Christmas TRAIN!! for Mister

We were out estate sale shopping and came across this lovely Christmas train for a decent price.  Sometimes the kid in us all just has to come out.  It's now under our tree.

Josh's Baptism -- Fun Family Time

After a leisurely morning, Mister and I hit the road at noon for Abilene.  It's almost a three hour drive and we spend it visiting for awhile before I grab a notepad and start making some rough outlines of the week ahead.  Yeah, I'm just that anal.

Jen's house is always busy and today is no exception.  This is an exciting day with lots to prepare.  Josh had his birthday a couple of weeks ago so the first thing we do is give him his card.  I love the way he takes the time to read it and moves his finger along while doing so.  Then, the smile.  Yep, always makes it all worth it.

Making Tomato Bisque for Lunch

Starting with 6 large, fresh, ripe tomatoes:  Peel, seed, and chop.  To get the skins off, place the tomatoes in boiling water for about 30 seconds.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

I absolutely LOVE this time of year.  The house just looks so cozy and warm with all of the extra "stuff" around.  I know some think their houses look cluttered during the holidays, but I just embrace it and love it all the more.  Today, we turned our home into the magic of Christmas.  After bringing everything down from the attic, I set to work inside while Mister tackled the yard.  Apparently before lights can go up, bushes must be trimmed.  Thus Mr. Green Jeans sets to work.