Since our Hodgepodge hostess is taking a couple of weeks off, I went back in time and found a sweet memory of my dear friend, Helen, who you read about often in my blog. Back in the day, Joe and I hosted them for Thanksgiving each year and they hosted us for Christmas. We did that for quite a few years. This is just an excerpt from my Christmas blog back in 2012... just a short nine years ago. Al died a few months later (March 11, 2013) and Helen is now in memory care at 93 years old. Having the blog archives is so great to look back and remember...
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We had a wonderful Christmas dinner, with our friends Al & Helen. Helen prepared ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, creamed peas, sweet potatoes, jello salad, fresh fruit, macaroni & cheese, and had pecan and cherry pies for dessert. Wow. She also sent leftovers home with us, which is awesome! Our Christmas Day weather was beautiful (photo taken Christmas morning)!
We went to the movies when we left our friends' house. We saw 'Parental Guidance' with Billy Crystal and Bette Midler. It was GREAT! Lots of laughs, and also some tears. We both loved it. I recommend it if you haven't been already (especially recommended for grandparents!).
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That picture is of our pool and patio at the house where we lived for 28 years before down-sizing to Mas Verde. The cats miss the screened-in 'playground' but I don't miss pool chores and pressure-washing chores, etc. It was great and we loved it there but it was time to give up all that work and expense. I will note that I have no recollection of that movie!
I will go home after work and get some cleaning done. My sister, Tammy, arrives tomorrow and I have Friday off!!
Can't believe Christmas is almost upon us. Wonderful memories indeed.
ReplyDeleteJust think how much life can change in a short nine years. She could whip up a meal and now has memory problems. That is a lesson to enjoy every moment of every day!
ReplyDeleteLovely Memories x
ReplyDeleteBittersweet isn't it Terri to look back knowing all the changes that life brings. Oh we love Parental Guidance. We recommend it to all grandparents.lol I have it on DVD I might just have to get it out and watch it again.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this sweet memory with us today, Terri. Nice to know Helen in a whole different light.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
I remember the pool. I'll bet that is a happy memory. Yeah, pools are a lot of work. I thought about having an above ground installed Once Upon A Time but was talked out it. Now that I'm old, I'm glad I actually listened to such good advice. (A rarity, I assure you.) *lol*
ReplyDeleteSending Love & Prayers To All. xx
I've never heard of that movie, but LOVE Billy Crystal. 'Need to see where I might stream it! Your pool area was so pretty; but ya. I sure don't miss the responsibilities of our Arizona pool.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of that movie, but that's not unusual for me. I just don't keep with movies, but I bet it was a good one. Now I wouldn't mind seeing it! yes, life changes so quickly. that is why we need to cherish every moment we can and make lots of memories with our loved ones and friends. No one is promised tomorrow, but we are promised a wonderful home in heaven for eternity, thanks to Jesus! That is our great hope and helps ease the pain of these sudden changes in our lives. Love to you and your sister as you celebrate this Christmas together. So glad you are able to do that, and I imagine your dinner with Helen and Cheryl will be very special...maybe a bit different than 9 years ago, but still special. (((hugs))) to you.
ReplyDeleteI remember that pool and you doing Holidays with Al, Helen and Cheryl. It really is nice to look at the archives.
ReplyDeleteHave a great time with Tammy!
Terri, I am behind in my blog reading (I've been distracted!!!), so Tammy should have arrived by now. Have a wonderful Christmas!
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