Free Wheelin'

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with outdated Polaroid film 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 flying. 

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!!!

Paintings by Jackie Wagner

Continued support for Ukraine!

❤️