A Scary Journey Inside My Life: December 2024

Tuesday, December 31, 2024

2024 - A Year in Review

I can't believe it's New Year's Eve! This year flew by! Time to take a look back and see all that we experienced this year.

Blogwise, I guess I have been a little MIA. I did post a few recipes and a few hints about why I am missing.

Let's start with the obvious....recipes:

Rosemary Focaccia Bread

Homemade Granola

Crispy Tempeh

Raspberry Scones (vegan)

Waffles (vegan)

I am glad that I posted so many recipes. A lot of my cookbooks (I think I might have a couple left) are in storage.

I did post a few retail stories and Weird Dog posts and then I vanished.

The short story is, I had to quit my job because we sold our house. There was a mad scramble as we tried to get rid of stuff, pack and move out of the place that we called home for twenty-seven years (and one day). We couldn't move into our house until August, so we were homeless for five weeks. We chose to travel during that time. We finally made our way to our new home in a very small beach town on the lake. We have access to the State Park, lots of hiking and of course, the beach. I forgot to mention, we did make a trip to drive halfway across the country to drop the youngest child off at college. So, it's just the three of us at home (RT, Weird Dog and myself).

I have quite a few stories (of course) that I ~~have been asked to share~~ will share in the new year.

Thirteen years of scariness. Thanks for sticking around.

Cheers to another scary year!

Thursday, December 26, 2024

National Thank You Note Day

As I always say (and write), people love getting handwritten letters and notes in the mail. It's always the first thing someone reads when they bring in the mail. I would rather read a letter from a friend or family member before diving into a pile of bills.

Sure, it's easy to send off an email or a quick text to thank Aunt Sally for the ~~ugly~~ Christmas sweater. Aunt Sally would much rather receive a nice handwritten Thank You note in the mail from you.

Today is National Thank You Note Day!

I'm unable to find out how or why this day was started. Some say it was created because of all the presents people received on Christmas Day. I, on the other hand, believe it was started by my mother, The Queen of Thank You Note writing.

I remember being called down to the kitchen a couple days after Christmas. On the table there were three place settings. At each spot there was a sheet of paper with list of names and gifts that they gave us, and a pen. In the center of the table there was a stack of Thank You note cards, stamps and an address book. You had to find your spot at the table. The rules? Write a Thank You note to everyone on the list then address and stamp the envelope. Oh, and you can't leave the table until you are finished.

My Mom never taught us how to write a Thank You note. My brothers would hurry up and scribble some stuff and leave the table. I would be stuck there for hours asking my relatives how their pet is doing and trying to figure out how to nicely thank someone for the gift they gave me (how do you thank someone for money?).

If you do participate today, and I hope you will, you can use #NationalThankYouNoteDay on social media.

If you need any tips on Thank You Note writing, I'd love to help, especially if you want to know how the family dog is getting along.

Don't worry, Mom, I already wrote my Thank You notes this year!

Wednesday, December 25, 2024

Merry Christmas!

"Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."

And suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest. And on earth, Peace, goodwill toward men!" Luke 2:8-14

Friday, December 6, 2024

St. Nicholas

There are many stories about the life of St. Nicholas. I found my information here. The following is a quick summary. Click on the link to read more details.

St. Nicholas came from a wealthy family. His parents died when he was very young. He grew up in his faith and strongly believed to give to the poor. He became Bishop and was know for his generosity, love of children and concern for sailors. Under the Roman Empire he was persecuted for his faith. He went to prison. He was released and died on December 6. The anniversary of his death became a celebration known as St. Nicholas Day.

There are many variations of the story of St. Nicholas. He gave money for three poor girls dowries, he helped children, gave to the poor. Do a little research. You will even see how Santa Claus evolved.

If you put your shoes out by the door, Saint Nicholas visits and leaves candy inside them.

Do you have any special traditions you do with your family during the holidays?