2017 has been a real year of change.  That's life.  In just a few short hours 2018 will arrive with all of its promise and uncertainty.  Welcome.  Our current situation is that I am sitting on the couch with Balto by my side and Scott is sitting in a chair with Blossom in his lap.  The celebratory fireworks have begun.  Unfortunately, I live less than a mile from South Carolina where pretty much any type of firework is legal.  I am not a fan, and the dogs are terrified of them to say the least.  

Balto is under the weather...

(The actual reaction to me asking, "Balto, do you want to go for a walk?"  I'm pretty sure he was thinking that if he didn't make eye contact I might go away & forget the walk. ) 

Under Construction + 10 Intentional Questions

As you can see, this blog is in the process of being updated.  I was inspired by my sweet friend Lorraine at As the Resin World Turns  to give the blog a facelift for the new year.  Don't worry - it isn't finished.  And no, that is not a picture of my hair.

Also inspired by two of my favorite blogs, No Sidebar & Cait Flanders, I am posting the answers to End Your Year Intentionally With These 10 Questions which was written for No Sidebar by Daisy.

1.  What makes this year unforgettable? 

This is the year my family got a second chance.  If you read this blog, you know that my Dad has faced a lot of health challenges this year.  He "left this world" on August 19th but, thanks to God and a wonderful medical team, he is here today.  This year has been hard and full of change but, it has also been full of second chances and joy.

Christmas Catchup

I can't believe it has been so long since I posted.  Christmas was a wonderful blur.  I was blessed to host my family.  Scott made prime rib, garlic mashed potatoes & gravy.  I made green bean casserole (dad's favorite).  Mom brought deviled eggs, macaroni and cheese.  Oh, and bread.  Mom brought the bread because I realized the night before that I had forgotten to buy any!  Rana brought grape leaves & salad.  

Sadly, my pictures came out too dark. 

Facing Your Fears

Today I went to Cat's annual Christmas Party.  Cat is a sweet friend of mine who just happens to have Down Syndrome.  Cat's sister, Allison, hosted the party in her beautiful new home this year.  The only problem is that Allison's new home is across town and requires me to take the interstate.  Those of you who know me, know I haven't driven on an interstate in quite a while.  

Picture it:  Snow in North Carolina (I watch too much Golden Girls)

We rarely get snow in my part of North Carolina but, it sure was coming down hard today.  Luckily, it was a balmy 35 degrees so none of the snow was sticking, nonetheless, it was snowing hard enough for everyone to drive cautiously.  

December

December is here and I'm getting excited about Christmas.  If there is one thing I have learned in 2017, it is how to appreciate every single day.  

Last Sunday, Scott and I went to visit his Grandmother.  She LOVES to play cards.  We barely got in the door before she was asking to play.  Nell is 89 and a card shark.  This time we played Skip-Bo and, of course, she won both games.  She ALWAYS wins.