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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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.

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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.

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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.

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My christmas card factory in a box. Tidy, portable and sturdy. I couldn’t ask for more!

{Though, I wouldn’t complain if it would address the envelopes, too!}

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We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.
~Thornton Wilder

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Can you think of any more fun activity for the day before Thanksgiving than making your own butter?

So many thanks to our friend Tara for hosting today’s butter making party! We had such a good time!

Catherine has declared it, “So.Amazingly.Fun!”