Dad told my Mom that he planned to make Christmas dinner until he was 80. And he did it! Dad turned 80 in early December and on Christmas Day he was in the kitchen preparing the beef for our family gathering on the 27th. Of course, he and Mom had already made their special candy, cookies and pies. I helped Mom make an old-fashioned black walnut cake with brown sugar frosting….no one ever goes away hungry from “Grandma’s” house. It was a full house this year. My brother, who lives in the same town, was there. My sister and her husband had all 3 of their adult children there from Colorado and South Carolina. We were back from Chile, and all our kids, except Sarah and her family, were there as well. Dad loves to have all his kids and grandkids come home for Christmas (or anytime for that matter!). We have created lots of memories of family times in Hanover, and I cherish each one.
The Friday before Christmas we were able to gather with Dave’s side of the family in Lancaster. Dave’s Mom had come from Wyoming with his sister and her husband, so this was a special reunion. The two brothers and two sisters who live in Lancaster were there, too, along with a generous number of nieces and nephews. One of Dave’s nieces and her husband offered their home for the occasion and did a great job of hosting. They enjoy playing games and roped the majority of us into playing “picture down the lane”. It was hilarious! Laughter really is good medicine. I needed a good dose to make up for the tears I invariably shed at each farewell.
-
- Dad and Mom are at home in their kitchen
-
- A full house
-
- Grandma IS getting shorter!
-
- Game night in Lancaster
-
- Our drawings produced many chuckles
-
- Dave and his Mom
