She said YES! Carmichael for Grandma's Birthday, Russell's for Football Sunday, Christmas with family.

Adam and Erin headed for Olympic National Park the day after Christmas. On the 28th we got a call in the afternoon that they are engaged! 💗 We are so happy for them as we've loved Erin since the first time we met her! 

We've known he had the ring for a few months but knew he wanted it to happen in a special place and it was! Another hard secret to keep LOL. 

I have some great pictures, but my computer isn't cooperating or I don't know how to fix it so there will be hardly any pictures in this blog! 😢  Hopefully I can figure something out. AOL I use for email is all messed up and that's where I sent the pictures. I tried calling but couldn't understand a word the rep said! UHHHH!! 

The 18th of December we headed over to CA for Ken's mom's 98th birthday. We had a great afternoon with her, Dave and Diane (Ken's brother and sister). 

We headed to Carson City for the night and then headed home Friday morning. 

Sunday morning the 21st we headed to Russell and Lori's in Antelope, CA as he was hosting a Football party. We don't really care about football but it was a party!  We also got to see Jacob and Allissa who were in town for the holidays! Aaron's home too! 

We spent the night and then headed back home on Monday. 

Wednesday was Christmas Eve so we headed back over. Yep, over to CA three times in one week! Worth every mile! 

We were actually able to spend a couple of hours with our 102 year old friend Joanie. She's doing well, still living by herself. She even had beer and wine for us, so I had a couple of glasses with her.  💙

Christmas day Russell and Lori hosted Christmas so it was a wonderful day to spend time with family. We did get over to Carmichael to spend a little time with Grandma. 

The 26th we met with whoever could, at Old Town Pizza in Auburn. There were 9 of us and a nice way to end the holiday. 

We headed back home but there was no way over highway 50. I told Ken next year we need to plan a mini vacay after Christmas so it'll be easier getting back over. So about 5+ hours later we were back at Russell's for the night. We had a nice visit and a few adult beverages. 

Saturday we left at 0600 and Highway 50 was in much better shape, still a slow down at chain control, but not bad. We stopped in Minden to have breakfast at Carson Valley Inn and then headed home. 

That's the end to a busy holiday season. 

It's been really cold the last few days with temps in the teens in the am to 40 in the afternoon. 

We'll be next door tomorrow for New Years Eve so I made some collard greens for the first time in my life! LOL We'll see how they turn out. Ken's making his black eyed peas and ham and then I'll do cornbread.

 This symbolizes prosperity for the coming year. Black eyed peas, represent coins, Collard greens, paper money and cornbread, gold! Who knew?! LOL. 

I made Lori's sausage, Rotel and Velveeta dip too. Yummy and so simple!

It was wonderful spending so much time with family but it's also nice to be winding down. These months go way too quickly nowadays. We'll see what the New Year brings. 

Have a wonderful New Years!  

New Years, Pet sitting, not too much going on.

 

Grandson Adam gave us a calendar with photos he's taken 
throughout the year. At the beginning of each month I'm going
to feature his photo of the month 💖
This picture is near Freel Peak right outside of 
South Lake Tahoe 

Happy Monday! Well, it is for us since we don't work for a living anymore! Actually coming up on the 9th it'll be 15 years we've been retired! Hard to believe it's been that long, but it's the best thing we ever did. I was 54 and Ken was 58, so glad we didn't go any longer! 

Diane and Jesse came and spent New Year's with us  so that was nice. Again a lot of time spent outside in the cold with fires going. Like they both said, they come to enjoy being outside and the fires! Ok..we can make that happen. LOL. 

We did spent New Year's Eve with John and Karen. Thankful that John's here to celebrate with us this New Year! He's doing well for someone who two months ago we all thought we'd lose him. 

He's on a heart healthy diet, not exactly his favorite but Karen is making sure he sticks to it. I am helping out with heart healthy treats, as he does like sweets and we like a bit with our coffee in the am. Since I've been making them for Ken for the last few years, I just make more of the same recipe. Today was Low Carb Oatmeal Raisin Cookies and Morning Glory Bread. 

Champagne Sunday yesterday...YUM! 

Decided to venture from the Low Carb Pizza this week and
have burgers for brunch. The chicken we took next door 
last night for our dinner. Same tonight 😋

They are in Reno buying Karen a new car. They also bought a smaller fifth wheel as they're getting rid of the big one. He's hoping to go back to work once he's cleared to drive in March. We spent last night over there with the pups and we'll spend tonight too. 

Chloe and Mason made us these adorable Salt Dough 
Ornaments for Christmas. Can't wait to have them on the 
tree next Christmas. 💖

Grandson Adam is in Arkansas visiting his parents. I know he enjoyed himself and of course his parents are happy he visited. He'll be back to CA tomorrow. 

Not much going on here. It's cool and windy right now. Ken just brought wood to the front porch as a fire is definitely needed. 

Some sad news last night from California. My Brother in Law, Bobby lost his dad Pat yesterday. Not that it wasn't expected, but still hard to say good bye. Pat was a very sweet man and I know he was very loved. Thinking of you Bobby and Linda, Dusty, Chelsea, Owen and Cassidy 💙

Looks like it's time for Happy Hour with the furry kids next door. Have a great evening! 🍺🍷