Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

What's that, you say--

that I am several days late in my heartfelt wishes?

True about the lateness, but most sincere in my sentiments.

It's just that this holiday season was so overfilled with joyous times

that I couldn't keep up with blogging.

I tend to think that many of you have already stripped the house of all the little candles, trimmings and ribbons that help to make the season festive.

In my true fashion, all still remain in place here in our home.

That sweet spirit of Christmas lingers though the days flew by at record speed.

We've had a number of holidays with empty places at the table,

but not this year! :-) 

This year  4 generations gathered around the table, 

even loved ones from Washington and New Jersey.

New York style conversations spouted loudly with interruptions and everyone talking at the same time--invigorating to me, boggling to our puzzled in-laws.

Distant family were included via the computer and phone, still remarkable.

Days have been filled with baking then eating, wrapping then opening,

trips to Austin to join family and then more trips to the airport,

picking up (YAY!) and then dropping off (BOO!)

A lot of coming and going, sharing and loving.

Concerts, church services, gym workouts, sightseeing, card games, walks, music, movies...

(Speaking of movies, how could I be the only one weeping at Les Mis???  Now, really!).

 Yesterday the last of our our-of-towners was taken to the airport.  (Tissues, please...)

Today the house is empty.  EVER. SO. QUIET.

Bed linens lather in the washer and I am free to ponder.

Our little grand-dog is still with us while her family enjoys a vacation.

I think she, too, is wondering about the changes in the house.

********************

I have a little spiral notebook on my shelf.

When I read something that especially speaks to my heart or mind,

I write it down on those pages.  I wish I had thought of the words first,

but since my creativity is limited, I benefit from keeping inspirational words in this little book. 

 I may just share some of them with you sometime.

I'll end today with this quote from Charles M. Schulz of "Peanuts" fame:

"Why can't we get all the people together in the world that we really like and then just stay together?  I guess that wouldn't work.  Someone would leave.  Someone always leaves.  Then we would have to say good-bye.  I hate good-byes.  I know what I need.  I need more hellos."

Hello, 2013!