Christmas is one week away!
And Winter is just a few days from now...........yet here in eastern NY, we are still having autumn like weather.....in fact, one day the temps got up to where we only needed a heavy sweater. It makes all those after work errands and chores so much easier to cope with.
Speaking of chores, I'm sure everyone is busy with holiday festivities and prep, so let's just take a few minutes to reflect on the past week and share FIVE of our FAVE blessings. Then, link up with Susanne or share a couple of your faves in the comment section.
FIVE FAVES
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| photo courtesy of the daily gazette |
- DRINKS AND DINNER: Last Friday evening, Claire had a 3 hour dress rehearsal so a friend of mine (Carla) and I dropped her off and went into downtown Saratoga to park and walk over to a fave Irish pub. We had a couple of drinks and a yummy dinner and then did some walking/browsing along Broadway. Oh how fun it was...Carla has just moved back to the area after being in the south for a few months so it was great to catch up on what's going on in our lives. I'm thankful for fun evenings like this, pausing in the midst of a busy season.
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| set design for Nutcracker School of the Arts/National Museum of Dance |
- NUTCRACKER: Claire had the 4 performances of Nutcracker (2nd Act dances only) last weekend. We went to the Saturday evening show and were very proud of her hard work. 2 months of weekly rehearsals really paid off. She was in the intro and Russian dance as well as the finale. We were not allowed to take photos or videos during the show but they did allow us, before the show began, to take photos of the set. This is the background. It was hard to get without people in it.................this background went around 3 walls.....it was stunning once the lights were off and the spotlights on the dancers. I'm thankful our ballerina had this opportunity to study under a former NYC Ballet dancer and to be in this production.
- MILD WEATHER! It has been freakishly warm for our part of the states. NY typically has either temps in the 20s and 30s throughout December with grey skies, freezing rain and/or sleet/snow. We have had NO white stuff on the ground yet and no real frost for over 3 weeks. The temps climbed to the high 50s/low 60s in our area in the last 2 weeks and I am very thankful for it! I can live without the bitter cold and snow.
- POWER WALKING: because of how mild and sunny the weather was on Monday, I decided that since no one had any evening activities and dinner could be around 6 pm when it's dark out, I would power walk right after work. I changed clothes, grabbed my sneakers, and went for a 1.34 miles walk. I even challenged my self to see if I could get a mile in during 15 minutes but I couldn't.... I did 18 minutes....but hey...that's 3 minutes faster than the last time I power walked. The work out for my legs and heart felt great and totally renewed my energy for the evening's chores. I'm thankful I could walk and enjoy nature this week.
- SECRET SANTA SMALL GROUP: We had our secret santa party at small group Tuesday evening. Everyone was able to come and participate in the discussion and then we enjoyed some snacks and gift giving. The person who had my name gave me a novel (The Prayer Box) with a prayer box that she created!! I plan on getting a photo of it as it is so cute and creative. She put Scriptures on it and one inside....it is truly a work of art. I plan on reading the book over Christmas break and plan on using the box for prayer needs and answers, for gratitudes, and for quotes or Scriptures that mean something to me. It was such a thoughtful and perfect gift! I'm thankful for this small group that I get to lead and I'm looking forward to what the Lord is going to do in the new year.
That wraps up my week...and now it's off to wrapping up some gifts to stick under the tree!
Enjoy this weekend before Christmas everyone!!
9 comments:
Well...my friend...I think that weather is fixin' (wink) to change. We just got a Winter Advisory in. I for one, would like to see snow for Christmas.
The Nutcracker set looks beautiful...many Holiday Blessings to you --Merry Christmas.
I've been enjoying the unseasonably warm temperatures. Possible flurries are in today's forecast, but you never know. I hope you have a very joyous Christmas with your family.
Sounds like you are having a nice time as your prepare for Christmas! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
The Nutcracker set looks so pretty - so glad Claire had the opportunity to dance in it!
It's been very mild here, too, which I love, though it hasn't felt like December. But it got down in the 30s today with even a few stray snowflakes.
Good for you for the power walking! My husband and I were talking about fitness plans for next year and what we might do.
The Nutcracker is a beautiful celebration of the season. How wonderful that your daughter was a part of it. (I love the backdrop on the stage, by the way).
Secret Santa gatherings are the best! Your book and prayer box from your Santa were such a clever idea.
Merry Christmas!
The Prayer Box sounds like a good idea as a book and prayer "aid." I checked out the book from the library and hope it comes in before my Christmas break. Hurray for a supportive small group.
Power walking in NY in December - unheard of. You are such a great example of exercise. I know that when I do it in the evening right after work, I do get a burst of energy. I hope to make that more of a priority in 2016. Can you believe that I am still dealing with my cough. But it is only slight now, so it isn't really a deterrent.
Oh, my, the backdrop was soooooo beautiful. And what a great opportunity your dancer had regarding her teacher and being in this performance.
I wish you a very merry Christmas, Willow.
While you're enjoying your unseasonably warm winter, we are finally getting into winter-like temperatures -- well, for us anyway. So nice when the weather cooperates for errands and exercise ;-)
How proud you must be of your ballerina! The set looks enchanting. I'm sorry no photography was allowed during the performance, but sometimes it's just as well.
Happy Christmas to you and your loved ones, Faith!
It's been warmer than normal here too but we did get snow this last week. The chinook came today however and a lot of it has melted. Nice to reconnect with old friends, especially during the season. We had our small group party too, it was great fun but I totally forgot to list it. Sheesh.
My daughter in Maryland reports that the weather is "warm" and I just shake my head. Some days it's warmer there than here in SoCal! Very weird. I'm glad you are able to get out and walk in it.
Congrats to Claire on the performances! I watched my friend's daughter (named Claire) dance in Nutcracker a couple of weeks ago. I never tire of seeing the performances especially if I know one of the dancers.
Your small group party sounds like fun!
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