A new year about to begin...

Christmas is over. It's always a little sad for me as I enjoy all the excitement, hustle & bustle, lights, etc. of the holiday season. Then after one day, it's done.

This year, the days around Christmas were busy! Geoff, Lynne, and I (and my dog girls) travelled to Milford on 22-DEC. We went a day earlier because of an expected snow storm. We stayed at my dad's house until Friday morning. My sister, Trudy and her daughter Amy were already there. Then my brother, Tim and his family arrived on Thursday. We opened gifts between my dad, sisters and brother and their families.

The kids and I travelled on to Le Mars. Steve had arrived there on Wednesday. He headed up early because of the storm too. Marie and Jeff arrived the 22nd. We all stayed at Uncle Doug's house.

On Christmas Day we were guests at Steve's sister, Mary Beth and Tom's house to enjoy a Christmas feast and to open presents. Much food as usual! It was great to see family - some I hadn't seen in almost a year!

On Sunday Marie, Jeff, Geoff, Lynne, and I were back in Milford for a wedding shower for my niece, Jessica (bride-to-be of Jon). The shower was put on by her aunts, Trudy, Kellie, Lisa, TC and myself. Jessica received some nice gifts. The decorations by Trudy, Kellie, and Amy were fabulous!

That night a bunch of Sherrill family (Tina, Sadie, Tim, Kellie, Carter, Garrett, Bob, Trudy, Adam, Amy, Marie, Jeff, Geoff, Lynne, and myself) travelled to Little Swan Lake Winery to listen to Damon Dotson sing. We also drank (a lot) of wine. "We love you, Damon Dotson!" We were treated to a private session of songs after the regular gig was done. Then most of us ended up at Perkins for supper! It was back to Le Mars after a VERY busy day.

On Monday it was time to head back home. Marie and Jeff left in the morning and Geoff, Lynne, and I left about 2pm. Steve headed back to KS that afternoon.

Now it's resting/clean the house time until work begins on 3-JAN-2011! Which sound better to you?!? No plans for the New Year. A storm is expected again! Maybe Lynne and I will walk the 1 block to the local VFW for supper and celebration.

Thanks to all of you for the thoughtful gifts. I truly enjoy them.

Many blessings for the New Year!

Love ya,
Theresa

A Bucket List for 2011

Here's a bucket list for 2011, inspired by Caribou Coffee

1. Say 5 nice things about the person sitting across from you.
2. Do more snowballs.
3. Read more poetry.
4. Give a kid some crayons.
5. Build communities not empires.
6. Surprise your B.F.F. with a cup of coffee.
7. Hold hands, not grudges.
8. Question authority.
9. Sleep under the stars.
10. Max out your passport.
11. Take the stairs.
12. Kiss slowly and forgive quickly.
13. Remember where you came from.
14. Get there on two wheels.
15. Sip it, sip it good.
16. Stir emotions.
17. You are as wonderful as your pet thinks you are.
18. Send your grandma or mother a card.
19. Go home early and play with your kids.
20. Take a 7 day weekend.
21. Roll down the hill.
22. Run your feet, not your mouth.
23. Pick up the check.
24. Teach a child to fish.
25. Do the hokey pokey.
26. Re-read your favorite book.
27. Write a letter to someone.
28. Watch the sun come up or go down.
29. Count all your blessings and be thankful.
30. Visit someone in the hospital or homebound.

Week from HELL!

This has been one hellish week!
On Tuesday I had a bad night at work at Waldorf. It's because I was getting sick. I was so sleepy and cold. I spent Wednesday sleeping or going to the bathroom [if you know what I mean]. Then the refrigerator in the Garner house quit working. The landlord doesn't want to buy another one. Just today I went for my wellness checkout and found I probably have a hernia and may need surgery. I also have to get another colonoscopy because they found blood. I'm not done yet! To repair my car's AWD it will cost me $500.00. IT CAN ONLY GET BETTER, RIGHT?!?
On the plus side I lost a few pounds of weight. I guess it was from not eating when I was sick! Since I don't have a refrigerator right now, I haven't been eating too much or else out of cans. I can't afford to eat out!
We are supposed to get some snow tonight! Up to 5 inches I think. Geoff says that there's about 6 inches up at St. Olaf. Schools in the area were let out early today. So far we only have about 1/4 inch of snow. I feel sorry for all the area towns that have holiday celebrations planned for this weekend.
I plan to attend the winter concert at Waldorf College on Sunday. Terri is going with me. I've heard the choir sing and they are very good. Tomorrow I plan to attend a bridal shower for Nicki G. in Garner. I work with her at the B-K School.
Well, it's time to head to bed. Until next time....
Theresa