Christmas at Krista's in 2024

We had a wonderful, low-key, and relaxed day at the home of my bonus daughter, Krista Lee Suter.  Do you know what a bonus daughter is?  I married Gary and got a bonus - I got a daughter in the deal!

Their custom is to have pancakes and eggs, open gifts, and start a jigsaw puzzle.  So that is just what we did!  Krista has become quite the cook and had giant pancakes, fried eggs, bacon, cider, and juice.

 

 Next, it was gift time.........

 

...... sooo many nice, thoughtful, and a few funny gifts. 

We took our time opening presents......  with entertainment from Levi and Lucas, my bonus grandcats. 

Then, out came the 500 piece jigsaw puzzle and the TV came on for a football game of the Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers - the Chiefs won. They managed to do two things at once with no trouble.

 I am a self-appointed sorter - I get all the pieces sorted by color. 
Krista has this wonderful puzzle board with 4 drawers underneath.

 

Then, I relaxed and nursed my new knee

 

I had a knee replacement on October 16th and am still having physical therapy.

We did stop for a charcuterie board supper.

 

 

 

 

Busy, busy bees!

 

 

 

Then, by George, they finished the puzzle - all 500 pieces!

Here's my favorite part of the day: 

Krista bought a tunnel to go around under her Christmas tree.  She thought it would help keep the kitties from playing under there, plus, give them some entertainment. 

Of course, kitties need entertainment, right?

 

Sure enough, Lucas did not disappoint -- he went in the tunnel and came out the other side. 

You can tell he was so proud of himself!

 

Merry Christmas 2024 to all and to all a good night.

Dinner with the Mays in Their Lovely Log Home

It is becoming a tradition for Gary, me, and Krista Suter, Cousins Bill and Becky May and Cousins Chris and Kelly May Greene to join my brother and sister-in-law, Phil and Maribeth May in their lovely log home for a Christmas dinner.

Maribeth first serves some tasty appetisers.  Then she makes a fantastic beef tenderloin and serves it with her famous twice-baked potatoes.  Becky brought her famous green beans.  I brought a coconut cream pie and an apple tart (which was a work of art from VMRC, the retirement community where Gary and I live.)

There was a crust under the tart but this is all thinly sliced apples with a glaze.

It's always a treat to see Maribeth's decorations which are added to her lovely home for each season.

Becky May is always warm and friendly. 

Dining room view 1

Dining Room - view 2

The living room from the kitchen.

Most of the guests were watching James Madison University vs University of Western Kentucky in their first bowl game.  We won!  The final score was 27-17.

This is the view of the living room as you come in the front door.

The Lovely Log Home of Phil and Maribeth May

 

p.s. Next year I'll take a few more photos.  It is my intention to start blogging again.