Wheels on planes, shuttles, wheelchairs,
rolling luggage and a rental car
were all rollin' this month!
But first, I had a six day dog sitting job in the city.
Then off my mom and I went to head out east
to meet her great grandson.
It was A LOT, but a successful trip!
(We all just wish my father had been able to travel.)
****
But first, I had to let the fur fly.
When I wasn't throwing a Kong toy nonstop
or picking up elderly puppies so they wouldn't freeze
I had time to make personalized
Snapshot Collages
with outdated Polaroid film
and send them to my friends.
And do another puzzle.
I got to take the Christmas Trolley all around the Jefferson City area.
Live music at the News Cafe!
Dollar Tree silliness on the streets of Chicago.
Bought some Shrinky Dink handmade earrings!
I love the city architectural views.
I went to a church holiday bizaar.
Sunnyside Plants is an amazing store.
After my dog sitting job it was time to escort my mom
to Massachusetts and New Hampshire to visit family.
I love looking out the window!
Check out this puppy dog lake!
Unfortunately I packed very heavy books as gifts
and they were in my carry on bag...
Even just a peek at NYC and the capital in D.C. brings me joy.
However, changing planes did NOT bring me joy.
I think I am now at the age where direct flights are worth the money.
(I know now my mother certainly was...)
Even with all the puzzle pieces that needed to fall into place
it was worth all the logistics in order to see
(Of course we were first greeted by the furry kids.)
I won't be posting photos of my family and their homes
but one of my favorite types
are those of landscapes
different from my own.
"Not in my backyard" views.
Another item delicately juggled in my carry on bag
was an album for my nephew who is a drummer.
It got there safely!
The Amherst Christmas Market was fantastic!
I saw this wall hanging when we first arrived.
(And it came home with me a little while later.)
We were part of a true New England Christmas card.
We went to Gibbet Hall for lunch.
The Mary Poppins gingerbread display was amazing!
We loved the food and decorations,
but I was not a fan of the slippery snow that arrived.
Our hotel had a pool so I went swimming.
I think I worked off a pat of butter.
A very special treat was that
on the last day of our trip
I was brave enough to drive into Boston
so we could visit a friend from my OSU graduate school days.
We hadn't seen each other for 26 years!
I was given some delicious pineapple Taiwanese treats
and we shared a delicious Chinese lunch.
But best of all was being together again.
(I was also blessed by a M:Peep friend
who drove over and back to see me!)
***
I'm still watching and listening and learning.
How about you?
My Spotify wrap was enlightening.
I like trying new foods.
And enjoying all time favorites.
Did you watch the World Cup?
Wow, what a nail biter!
Finding just the right present
and making holiday displays
can bring joy, joy, joy.
Find time to be playful during the holidays!
Dance like Snoopy!
Special holiday nibbles can make the meal!
Enjoy the lights of the season!
Thank you to my friend who gave me a gift
I didn't know I'd have the time to read!
Our Christmas plans had to change since Covid
decided to show up for a second holiday season.
We are calling this experience
Home Alone I and Home Alone II.
Things are going okay...
We hope you are well and send you warm holiday greetings.
Merry CHRISTmas!
Peace be with you!
Jen Pen
I know you miss Magnus.
We do too.
This commissioned painting was a gift.
We love it!!!
Continued support for Ukraine!
❤️
