New Year's Eve- like most things in 2020, it was not a traditional holiday. Change is good and we're grateful our usual hosts were able to explore, hike, embrace sunshine, and be together. We did the same for Christmas with the Stoner clan after all. We look forward to celebrating the season of giving with the Leithausers soon! We took advantage of our special evening to set a beautiful table, dine well, exchange gifts, and be together. Pictures below share the story. Shout out to the good friend for arranging oyster delivery- something new for Joe- shucking oysters. There really is not much better than fresh oysters.
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| first time using oyster plates! |
Christmas in Ashville was also a treat. We found a great house through Yonder Homes that was a perfect fit for Stoner's Under One Roof- quite the gift. In fact, Peter said it was his favorite Christmas gift of all time. (Mom, touches heart and tears up during this discussion.) Wow! It was great to experience the Biltmore decorated for Christmas. I'm sad it is over- part of the fun was the planning via google sheets and brainstorming meals and arrangements. We ended up with an effective plan to send Peter and Clare to drive with Nana, they met up with Sarah and crew to visit Nana and Pap's old stomping grounds at VPI. I added a day with Mom by driving her home and bringing our car back a day later. I admit the drive with podcasts and books on tape was needed me time! We're grateful everyone was able to attend and avoid the co-co. We all shared our worries around the campfire on the first night, but we needed this to be a special and different Christmas without beloved Pap.
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| our gift- matching pj- clare idea |
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| our only full family pic?!! |
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| Christmas Dinner teamwork. |
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| girl cousins |
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| white Christmas, tree fit in loft |
And now New Year's Day...a day of rest in our life on Newark-Granville Road. A day of tradition in food- black-eyed pea dip, pickled herring, and pork and sauerkraut. We'll set the table again in a festive way and toast the new year and time together, recognizing how grateful we are for all we have. We'll say Grace with thanks to God and all those that support and care for us and ask for help for all in need, which really is all of us all the time. It is the new year, one full of promise and proof we are loved, we are love and we need to love. We'll watch OSU football - by the fire, texting with friends- go Bucs.
Not the holidays we're used to but lovely in our life on Newark-Granville Road. Not without tears, shouts, and frustrations, but here, us, and our way. Lucy could not be happier to have us home.
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