Holidays, 2015

Holidays, 2015
A Winter Scene - red door, a dusting of snow, and a vintage bicycle

Monday, October 31, 2011

Halloween....and NOW it's NOVEMBER....

Well, Halloween is now a memory....it was our first time having trick-or-treaters in a decade as we lived in a country setting before on acreage and no one walked up the long driveways....here, there are LOTS of children, so we easily had over a hundred.  My two daughters who live locally came over and my son-in-law.  We got out the old costumes and had some fun with those who came to the door. 

            I had a buffet of foods for everyone to help themselves: a bowl of berries, roasted chicken, pizza, fresh salsa, apple cider and sparkling cider, carrots, orange peppers and hummus....pumpkin ice cream for dessert...

 I captured this little one through the glass....
 And created a ghost out of the light fixture that hangs in the entryway...
 My youngest daughter loved being 'dipped' by ther husband in the gorilla costume...
 And Frankenstein greeted guests at the front door...

 and of course....a cute little ghost to watch over us all evening...
                           But NOW....it's time to pack it all up and move onto NOVEMBER....

It's the official start of Kraft holiday commercials and jingle-bells everywhere....Are you ready?

Well.....get ready......I'm going to be testing lots of recipes and making some new craft projects so come back for a visit.....      

Saturday, October 29, 2011

to say Good-Bye

Yesterday was really, really hard.....but I know we did the right thing.....Thank you to everyone who left me wonderful comments yesterday on Twitter---your words of support touched my heart.  On behalf of my daughters and myself....THANK YOU.

After the long drive down there, the chapel stood tall....I've been in it many times before, but never did I think I'd be in it for this reason.  The United States Air Force Academy did an outstanding job of honoring one of their own, and it made my daughters feel so loved yesterday.  If you'd like to know more about the construction of the chapel and why it looks the way it does, please click on this LINK.  It's quite interesting.

The female chaplain who officiated the service was incredible.  We spent a couple of hours this week talking about my former spouse's life and his relationship with his children and with me.  She learned of the joyous times and them most difficult of times.  She learned of his hobbies, his joys, his passions and with that, she created a series of Bible passages, words of reflections, meditations, and messages that helped to create a sense of peace for our family.  Even though our marriage did not last 'til death do us part,' we did spend 28 years together (in total), 21 of which were in marriage, and I felt that I needed to honor his life for my daughters and for him, especially since the tragic circumstances surrounding his death left much to be desired in the way of honoring ANY human life.

The flags at the AFA were all flown at half staff.  An honor guard played taps and there was a 21 gun salute.  We chose Josh Groban's 'You Raise Me Up' as one of the songs to be played, along with "When I Cry" by the Gaither Vocal Band.  My middle daughter wanted "I Can Only Imagine" by Mercy Me.  I spoke for about 5 minutes and my youngest daughter spoke a bit longer.  A few of his cadet graduate friends came to the service who live in the area, including a 3-star general and his wife.  Some people I hadn't seen in years, and it was uplifting and comforting to see them there.  Afterward, we had a reception at my oldest daughter's house who lives about 10 minutes from the Academy.  There, we all shared memories and the sadness turned to laughter....smiles, healing.  It was absolutely wonderful....

I wasn't able to capture any of the photos during the service as it was way too emotional; however, I captured some photos on the drive there so you can see the chapel and the chaplain took a family photograph.  Rod and I spoke of whether or not he should be there; he wanted to support us in the best way possible and I felt it best that he stay at home and let us deal with this one the way we went through it.....the girls and I.  Two of my daughters are married.  Their husbands were there, along with my middle daughter's boyfriend, who, in my opinion, can join the family any time he is ready....(he's a blessing, indeed)

One of my granddaughters was there, too.  We felt that the 6 year old might not be able to understand all the tears for someone she had never met.  I hope that we can now move forward and count our blessings even louder than before.....life is short.....enjoy each and every moment.  xo Joann

The Colorado Springs area did not get as much snow as we got

the stationary aircraft on the USAFA grounds

the snow-covered playing fields with the chapel in the distance

approaching the chapel

middle and youngest daughters say prayers after the service

granddaughter stands beside the flowers and photographs

My daughters and I

the back of the church and the huge pipe organ that the organist played for us during the service

the family who came to the service
                                                              THANK YOU.....xo

Friday, October 28, 2011

Thursday and the Snow's Still Here....along with LOTS of damage

Just a quick minute here to show you what I woke up to today----roads clear (the main roads), but neighborhood roads still messy, but LOTS of trees down and because the trees had leaves, it's a mess.  About 1/3 of the town has no electricity and a water main broke causing many to be without water.  Very fortunately, we have both power AND water.....so take a tour with me around town......












Look closely to see the 'mail lady' trudging through the snow to deliver the mail


branches big and small were down everywhere



gorgeous flower pots in Old Town---now frozen 

the pine trees were gorgeous....



                              

Trees with Fall leaves were never meant to bear the weight of heavy snow

some totally collapsed

some fell down on houses and cars

there will be lots of clean-up in the days to come


                                                                                
                                                                          Well girls....it's supposed to be 60 F by Saturday.....most of this will have melted.....but the poor trees.....

                                     Stay Warm and Dry and Have a lovely Weekend...

                                                      xoxo   Joann      

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Let it Snow..... (but in October?) Yes, it's COLORADO!


Remember how it's AUTUMN?   Yes, thanks to Janie, it STILL looks like autumn INSIDE the house.....HOWEVER.....

  I took this late last night out the front door as it was just starting.....
 out the side window....somewhere under that snow are two bird feeders....
 the back yard this morning....
 the front this morning....
 my street....
 my frozen flowers.....


Is it really almost Halloween?

 This was yesterday.....
 and on my drive up to Estes Park....all yellow.....but dark dreary skies prevailed....
 In CO, we pretty much only get yellow....the aspens turn yellow and the pine trees stay green






That's the river running along the road....yes, I'm taking these while I'm driving.....all for you girls!!! Cause I love you!!

                    But today?   It looks like CHRISTMAS instead! 

Christmas displays already out in many places.... ( I don't like it one bit )

Well, my class for today was cancelled, so I'm staying in to bake and prepare for Friday's memorial service....it's warm inside, but tomorrow I need to go out and get some Halloween candy!!!  This neighborhood is FULL of little children.....how fun!!

                           Have a WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY!!

                                                                       xo Joann