CHRISTMAS - 2018

I know it's a little late coming, but I thought I'd share a few photos from our Christmas here in Austin. I was delighted to have neighbors come caroling a couple of days before Christmas. Some of these pics were taken at my son Matthew's house. (That's him in the fancy top hat!) A few were at my place, and Christmas Day at daughter Carajean's newly remodeled home on Lake Travis. 

That's BOB BURTON in the top right corner relaxing before tackling Christmas dinner. He and our daughter Carajean are seen trying to figure out how to get the oven set just right for the huge turkey and ham. My son Craig was put to work peeling potatoes, as he says Christmas dinner is not the same without them! BOB's wife Ann is seen at the top with our soon-to-be grandson-in-law, Erick. He proposed to our granddaughter Audrey right after a performance of the band he plays in, Superfonicos, a few days after Christmas.  He and Craig (with a new guitar as a gift from Matthew) and Cameron (oldest grandchild) had an impromptu jam session after gifts were opened. 

The food was wonderful as always. BOB is a great cook, and vegetarian Carajean fixed delicious side dishes, pie and snacks. We had a great time playing dominoes for hours; there is always a jigsaw puzzle for everyone to contribute to (lower right hand corner); "young" ones played charades; and the swing bed on the screened-in deck got lots of use for those in need of a nap. The only drawback was the fact that some family members were unable to be with us. Maybe next year!

I'd love to hear about your holidays. Photos, too. I don't know about any of you, but having grown children for the most part take over the planning, preparation, and most of the cooking was a real treat. (I did do dozens of chocolate chip cookies, banana nut bread, and cranberry nut bread.) It was nice having lots of good leftovers come home with me, too.

I'm hoping to get back to posting more frequently. It helps to have good feedback and stories from each of you. I have a short story contributed by one of our classmates that I will post in the next day or two. 

Tell me about the "good stuff" going on in your life!

Happy New Year, love, and peace,  

Marilyn