three hundred and forty three

Lest anyone think we live in a crafting utopia, here are the remains from a spectacularly failed Christmas project.

Both girls were so good. They helped collect all the supplies and went through each step patiently with me. But halfway through we all knew is was going to be a bust.

I was impressed at their sense of humor, their attempts to salvage even part of the project and, especially, their willingness to call it a day when it was clear that all was lost.

The project was a failure, but our time spent together was definitely not.

three hundred and forty two

Esme and I both have parts in our Christmas Pageant next week. Peter snapped this cute pic from rehearsal today.

Angels and sheep and shepherds everywhere!

Come and hear Esme sing a sweet little solo! Next Sunday, 10am, Dane Street Church, Beverly.

three hundred and forty one

I enjoyed a quiet day today to work on and finish any number of Christmas related tasks. All the same, I was happy to have some small fingers come home to help with the wrapping paper printing.

One little spot, all done up for Christmas.

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This was probably the smallest activity of the day, but mailing our Christmas cards themselves was what they were most excited about!

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We haven’t quite found the right place for it in our new house, but I’m glad to have our little tree out and dusted off for the Christmas season.

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three hundred and thirty six

We found this fellow in the middle of our street this afternoon. He was unfazed by the approach of our car as he guarded his grey squirrel prey. After a couple of failed take off attempts, he grabbed his squirrel and flew to the side of the road. That’s where I was able to snap this pic.

By comparing the photo to others on the internet we concluded that it was a juvenile Red-tailed Hawk. This wikipedia page has lots of information and a few other photos. If you scroll down you’ll see one of a hawk eating a grey squirrel. That is almost exactly what we saw today.

The girls felt pretty bad for the poor squirrel, but were amazed to see the bird up close.

three hundred and thirty five

When I was eight I lost a good friend in the most horrible way possible. She was seven. Today marks the day, 26 years later.

She crosses my mind still, sometimes frequently, sometimes only sporadically.

Many times this past year I have been reminded of her- things people say, an old picture, certain little actions- I have been surprised at the number of things that have brought her to mind. And specifically this year.

A moment of reflection and I saw the connection. Catherine is seven.

She is seven and I am keenly aware of the fragility of life.

three hundred and thirty four

It isn’t every day we are invited to a soft opening of a new restaurant! Peter has been chatting (via Facebook) with the owners of A&B Burgers, new here in Salem, and we had dinner there tonight on their first night of serving.

We really enjoyed ourselves. The atmosphere was casual, the food was delicious and dinner was topped off by some “marvelous milkshakes” (as the girls so eloquently phrased it).

The girls and Peter have praised the hamburgers and hot dogs and I really liked my Chickpea burger. I’m anxious to try the other vegan options on the menu as well.

Catherine filled out the survey for us at the end of our meal and she gave it top scores Locals might know that it is a little tricky to find and parking can be hard to come by, but they’re definitely worth a try.