My goodness! What a holiday season it has been for us. I’m sorry I have not had many posts/recipes but I will get back to it soon. Let me explain:
On Christmas Eve, my mother’s best friend – also the lady who made Top Girl’s wedding dress – passed away. She was 88 and while at her church’s Christmas service had a stroke and shortly after passed away. The funeral was Friday after Christmas.
Friday night around 10 PM Top Girl’s great-grandmother passed away at 95. She was a spectacular woman who welcomed me into their family when I was a teenager and has kept me in the family even though I really do not belong anymore. She was loud and always making jokes – a lot like me – and I will miss her terribly. Today is her funeral in my hometown. I am going with Top Girl because SIL and Rocket will be attending a Korean ceremony commemorating the 1st anniversary of SIL’s father’s death.
I got up early this morning to make a post – duck tacos that were fabulous – to find an email from my cousin, Dana. She lives next door to her niece whose home is 2 story and Dana’s sister Pam (my other cousin) and her husband live on the second floor of this large home as sort of an apartment. Pam was recoving from a brain bleed recently and her husband from open heart surgery 8 weeks ago. I don’t have all the details but the 2nd floor caught on fire and while everyone got out, Pam’s husband had to jump out the 2nd story window and broke his back. He was hospitalized.
After the funeral on the east side of our state, we will be driving to the west side of the state where cousins live to see what assistance we can offer.
This all puts into perspective how I was moaning and groaning about the washer breaking yesterday!
This has all been kind of a downer and I hesitated before I wrote it but I wanted to let everyone know I had not been neglecting y’all – just busy.
It is already the New Year in Australia and so it begins – Happy New Year all and let’s all hope for a great year! I’ll be back in the new year with some really great recipes!!
Kelli
Oh,my. You all will be in my thoughts. I hope 2014 brings much happiness to you and yours. Take care in your travels.
Thanks Debra! I really appreciate your good thoughts and feelings!
Kelli, so sorry for your losses. Will pray for your family during this difficult time and gor travel mercies for you also. I imagine Rocket is more than a little confused over all that is going on. Just give him a few expat hugs, including one from me.
thanks Debbie! I really appreciate it – It seems like everyone in our family chooses to pass away during the 2 weeks of the holidays – xoxoxo
My thoughts are certainly with you at this very troubled time.
Lillian
thank you Lillian!
God bless & comfort you and all your family and friends who have been affected by so many losses and terrible problems. Thanks for what you give of yourself to us. Take care of your family now.
Chris
thank you so much chris! I really appreciate your good thoughts and comfort!
Oh my gosh, that’s a lot of loss and pain all at once. I’m so sorry. My condolences on your losses and I hope that Pam’s husband has a good recovery.
Thanks so much Eartha – I appreciate your support! xoxo
As the saying goes, when it rains, it pours! Your family has certainly suffered some enormous losses, Kelli. Safe travels and know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. May 2014 bring healing!
Thanks stacy – I’m so happy to see your face! 🙂 I really appreciate all you do for me!
Like I tell my daughter, one thing at a time, in the right order, first things first: you’ve had way more first things to contend with than posting reciepes. Take your time – we’ll all still be here waiting. Sending good thoughts your way. Happy New Year!
thank you ronda – bless you!
So sorry for all the losses you and your family are experiencing right now. I know I’m certainly ready for the end of 2013. Let’s welcome 2014 with the knowledge that things are going to go so much better for those of us who have been patiently waiting!
thanks Jennifer – I’m just now getting to all these wonderful comments. everything just keeps getting in the way! 🙂
My condolences, so sorry for all the losses and troubles occurring with your family. Hopefully, this year will bring better times to you and yours.
Thank you so much!
Oh my goodness – You guys are in my thoughts and prayers – Best wishes for a new year.
Thank you!
So sorry to hear all the bad news you have been going thru…prayers are with you and your family.
hope everyone will get well soon and things get back to normal for you…..thanks for letting us know….you have lots of friends and prayers are always welcome and they do help……….
Bless you and thank you too!
Kelli, I am so sorry for your losses and everything else you are going through. Wishing you and your family much peace and love in 2014!
Thank you!! so sweet of you to be supportive!
Happy New Year, friend! What a crazy ride you’ve had recently. I am sorry for all your losses. xoxo
Thanks Caprice! xoxo