Mid-December Faves

Another week has flown by this month.  Another Friday!

Time to pause, reflect back on the blessings and share FIVE of the FAVE ones here.  I'm participating in Susanne's weekly thankfulness meme.  Head on over here to find out the details or to link up.

FIVE FAVES

Claire's St Nicholas Day treats

• ST NICHOLAS DAY MESSAGE:  As most of you know, we celebrate St Nicholas day on 6 December to honor the German/Dutch side of my family (my mother).  I told the girls when they were in high school that I would end this tradition with them as soon as they graduated from college but it was up to them, if they ever have children some day, to carry on the tradition.  Because Claire wasn't gong to be home on 12/6, I had her treats all packed up and brought them to her at Thanksgiving time in MA.  She had instructions to open them on the morning of 6 December which was last Friday.  Here is the text I received while at work:

This made my day because if you look carefully, you will see she typed the Russian word for "mother".  She knows I love that! I'm thankful the tradition continues and that she liked the treats!

Dave and I in Lake George
Eastern Adirondack Mountains
7 December

• DATE DAY!  Last Saturday, Dave and I headed north to the Adirondack ChristmasKindlMarkt.  It was the 2nd year Lake George had this event and our first time going.  We had a blast!  There were three large tents with various vendors.  Most were selling local wines, maple products, wooden crafts, Xmas ornaments, goat's milk soaps, and essential oils.  We sampled a wonderful red wine blend and ended up buying two bottles.  It's rare for me to find a red wine that I actually enjoy.  We also sampled a lemoncello and an orangecello and bought the orange one to make mimosas for Christmas morning. The idea of the Christmas market is based on the kind they do in Germany.  There were Bavarian singers/dancers and we really enjoyed that group! They were performing in the food tent and we had crepes (for me) and bratwurst sandwich (dave) along with a delicious hot cider drink and an iced blackberry seltzer for our lunch.  When we were done browsing all the tents, we walked down to the lake and took a couple of photos before heading home.  I'm thankful we had this time together. 

Bavarian singers/dancers
7 December

in front of Lake George in Lake George Village
the mountain with the snow behind my right shoulder is one I have climbed!

• LIBRARY VISIT:  After the early service on Sunday, I headed over to the town library while Dave attended a youth group worker event.  I was able to take out a book that has been on my "want to read" list and I'm really enjoying it. It's by an author I've read in the past but it's been years since I've read one of his books.  This one is set in 1946 and I think that's why I like it so much.  I love books set in that time period.  I'm thankful for a good library and for the chance  to relax and browse before errands and cookie baking.

• BIRTHDAY SURPRISES!  Monday was the birthday I was kind of dreading.  Why??  because I have started the decade of being in my 60s!!  It's hard to believe I'm 60....the years have flown by, especially the last 20!  (does everyone feel that way when they turn 60?) My boss didn't believe me until I showed her my drivers license! But yes, I am now 60.  Dave  took me out for a nice Italian dinner. I had a chicken positano linguine meal with a peach sangria that was absolutely delicious. My oldest daughter gave me a beautiful card and a Trans Siberian Orchestra Christmas cd.  My youngest sent me a special text and I opened many cards from family and friends. One co-worker who happens to go to my church and is a friend of mine and in my small group, gave me a beautiful bottle of Reisling which we are going to enjoy on Christmas Eve.  Another co-worker who is a fellow hiker, gave me little silver earrings with mountain peaks on them. Dave is getting me a new iphone but we are waiting after Christmas for when the Apple store is not as crazy busy. I'm blessed and thankful to have such caring friends and family.

• HOLIDAY LUNCHEON:  Wednesday afternoon after our students left, we all headed to the Albany site for our annual Holiday Luncheon.  All of the staff from all three of our preschool sites plus our UPK were there.  The centerpieces were gorgeous:  pine branches in large mason jars and gold balls.  The nature lover in me just loved it.  A local restaurant catered the luncheon: we had chicken parm, eggplant parm (it was so amazing!), and baked ziti.  I had some of the fresh chopped salad and it was loaded with fresh veggies.  There were so many different kinds of Christmas cookies.  I sampled a fudge truffle and a chocolate crinkle.  Our new executive director gave us a candle and said how we help to offer light and hope to our students and the families that we serve.  It was a wonderful time.  I'm thankful to be a teacher in such a wonderful environment.

That wraps up my week.

I'm tired......it's been a crazy busy week.  I'm very thankful it's the weekend!!

Enjoy the weekend everyone!