Monday, December 26, 2022

That Christmas Feeling…

Corona de Tucson

December 26, 2022 















Last year, we were invited to Kevin's and Stacie's home for Christmas dinner.  It was so nice being among friends at Christmas.  The 10 or 11 years before last year, Joe and I spent Christmas...just the two of us.  So, you can imagine the excitement around our house as we planned on having Jamie and Andra here for a long 3 day Christmas week-end.  Meals were planned,  groceries were bought, errands were completed, the vacuuming and mopping was done, we enjoyed a couple of  beautiful sunsets...and then it was Friday.















It was a wonderful week-end.  We enjoyed the outdoors...playing games 

And no, Andra and I didn't win the corn hole championship, but we didn't get skunked either! 

and watching a team of 5 Harris' Hawks (three in the pine tree on the right side of the yard and two in the pine on the left side)...


 

























































Jamie grilled filet mignon...cooked to perfection...for Christmas Eve dinner.


It was fun setting the big table.















And I especially enjoyed the view from the kitchen sink.


 














After dinner, we sat around the fire serenaded by the howling coyotes and hooting owls.  

Christmas morning, Jamie and Andra had gifts for the pups.

Jack got a crab...because he IS crabby!




 

 









Sally got a turtle...because hurry is NOT in her vocabulary!



















And Dover got a hedgehog...we often find her curled up in a ball and easily startled by sudden movement.  















And meet Ozzy.  He is our 8 month old grandpuppy and just about the sweetest puppy we have ever known.  He is an Aussiedoodle...playful, protective (especially of Dover), very smart, loves to watch TV and a great addition to the family.


  














I spent the afternoon (today) putting away Christmas.  Everything is marked and sealed and ready for next year.  All that is left to say "it was Christmas" is a poinsettia on the kitchen table, my new red quilt, a small tub of party mix.  And, thank goodness for  the memories made.

I can hardly believe we are wishing everyone a healthy and happy New Year. 

My how time flies!


  




Until next year...next time...

HAPPY TRAILS !

10 comments:

  1. Merry Christmas !!! so nice to have family around and their puppy! Ozzy looks like a fun companion.
    The hawks seem to like your tree, is their good hunting for them in the area?

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    1. Good morning Jeff…It is awesome to have family near. There are so many memories of years gone by with the 6 of us on Christmas morning and then there were grand babies. When we started traveling, it was just the two of us. It’s nice to circle back around. Ozzy is awesome! And yes, the hawks have lots to hunt. The area behind our house is home to mice, rats, rabbits, snakes, lizards etc. Happy New Year to you and Fran!

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  2. What a wonderful Christmas even for the pups! And the new puppy is adorable!! Your home looks so festive--I usually leave my decorations up until the NY but for some reason I'm feeling the urge to put it all away. Happy New Year Gay, Joe and the pups!

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    1. Good morning Janna…We already love Ozzy a lot! He and Sally are best friends and Ozzy watches out for Dover outside. I’m pretty sure taking down the decorations is a carry over from having taught school and being able to enjoy the week after Christmas…just get it done and then play/relax. Happy New Year to you, Michael and Emmi…looking forward to meeting you three in 2023.

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  3. Looks like both you two and the pups had a great Christmas. Did you know a group of hawks is called a Kettle or a Boil? I had to look it up, so cool seeing that many in one spot!

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    1. Hi guys! I did not know that…thank you for sharing. It was way cool to watch them…sitting and soaring and hunting. One did make a dive, but we could not see anything. It was a very nice week-end. Happy New Year to you two and the pups!

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  4. So lovely to have family for Christmas!! Your hawks are beautiful, as is your holiday table. I loved having our tree as my view for weeks, but like you, I took it all down the day after and am ready (don't have a choice!) for the new year. Beat wishes to you and Joe and the clan for a great 2023.

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    1. Hi Jodee…it is wonderful to be close to family after all these years. It was a huge leap for Joe and I to settle here so far away from the east coast. Never in a million years did we think any of our children would end up settling here too. I really miss the tree and lights too. Wishing you three a healthy and happy 2023.

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  5. Glad you were able to celebrate with family this year. We certainly had perfect weather. Sweet view from the kitchen sink. Glad Santa remembered the puppies!! Ozzy is a cute grandpuppy. Happy New Year!!

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    1. Hi Pam…and thank you. Tucson has felt like home for awhile now and having family near is truly the icing on the cake! We can’t wait for another Ozzy visit!

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