Showalter Feast, Dec 26

We had Linden's family here the day after Christmas.  It was a full house!  Lowell and Lois and family stayed overnight which made it all the more fun.  The only ones missing were Regina and family and Justina who was sick.

First item was the pinata.  Brad cracked it on the 3rd whack!

These are the artists who painted the pinata.  Heather, Petra and Olivia

Impossible Puzzle but it turned out to be possible after all.

Maya Robin

Mike, Elana and Greta

TJ and Rozanne - newly weds!

Newest member - Lillian

Carolyn, Ruby, Bev

Mckayla, Olivia, Katie, Allison, Heather, Petra

Anna and Gloria with Uncle Ron

Nathan and Grantley playing chess

Michael getting ready to skype Alexandra.  We got to see baby David and sang Away in a Manger to him.  

Lowell and AJ

Ronda showing pictures of her work on her kitchen

Dec. 23, A visit at Jenn and Justin's house

Derek, Brittany and little Addison were visiting from NC.  Mom and I went to see everyone at Justin and Jenn's house.

What a sweet little thing, Addison!

She let me hold her as long as she was facing out and could seem her mommy or daddy.

Jenn and Abby

Hannah and a very tolerant kitty.

Deb, Mom, Addison, and Brittany

Derek

Isaac under his coon skin had with a real raccoon tail

Supper at the Eshleman's, Tue, Dec. 20

Barb and Sarah baked cookies in the afternoon, with a little help from Austin and Petra.  Wonderful soups and breads with several dips and cheeses.  The most memorable was cranberry salsa.  Delicious.

Emily, Sarah, Mark and Andrew

Stephanie Chace and me

Steph, Nate, and Austin

Lorraine and Gloria

I borrowed a book from Barb:  Tears of the Giraffe

Christmas Lunch, Tue, Dec. 20

Beth and I went to Tranquilitea while the kids went to Waynesburger.  

Laura took the picture below and missed getting in it.

Monday, Dec. 19

Austin hovering over Petra as she makes eggs for breakfast.  He did have cause for concern because the eggs did burn!

Writing class gets to dip peanut butter crackers in chocolate.

Christmas in the Barn at Rissers - Dec. 18, 2011

Phil and Pam had their annual Christmas in the Barn party.  We first met in the barn to read and sing the Christmas story.  This year there were no kids the right age to act the parts.  I'll never forget years ago, Beth as the Angel of the Lord being lowered by rope and pulley!  

Then we were invited into the warm house for food and fellowship.  Pam loves decorating her house for Christmas:  the quintessential festive farm house!  It was a lovely evening!  Thanks, Phil and Pam!

Pam with Mahlon and Rhonda 

Sarah, Roger and Barb 

Shirley and Donna

Phil and Linden

Elizabeth, Genevieve and Bethany

Jason and Jonathan

Austin and Frederick

Leah and Sarah

Gloria and Petra

Mel and Beth

Lena, Adam and Anna

Quoting Rhoda

Me:  How are you?
Rho:  I'm recovering.  I'm a recovering workaholic.

Rag Curls

Sisters are home so it's time to do rag curls!

                                                                  Gloria, Anna, and Petra

New coat

My new coat covers all my fashion flaws except one cuff turned up and one is down.  I walked around town all morning like that!  Oh, well!

Friday morning snow!

 I took an early morning walk in the snow.  Pack up.  Pick up James and Gloria after their last finals at 3:00 and head for Pea-yeah!

 A big thanks to Bob and Deb Kaufman for making their guest house available to us.  This week wouldn't have worked so well if it hadn't been for this comfortable and convenient place to stay.

Anna and Leslie Alumni Recital

The music was amazing!  108 tickets were sold.  Leslie's mom had a lovely table of refreshments afterward.  I'm just so glad I got to be there!

Posing after the concert

Leslie, Vanessa and Anna

Anna and Petra later at the cabin.