Weapon?

Knowing that one of the jobs on my Christmas list would be to make homemade caramels for Christmas gifting, I brought along my faithful caramel pan.  It was a last-minute decision and so it ended up in the outside pocket of my carry-on.  I'm sure they see a lot of strange things go through security, but they wanted to take a second look at that object.  It took more than a little talking to convince them that I had no intention of hitting anyone over the head with it.  

This pan belonged to my mother, and I have so many growing-up memories of sitting around the table and wrapping the caramels that were cut out of it. This pan has made thousands of caramels and has the cut-lines to prove it.

We've made, cut and wrapped another 700 this week. 

 

Kankakee Rendezvous

Last night we made a flying trip to Kankakee to meet Quinn, Tif, Clarissa and Clayton. Traveling in 5 degree weather is not the greatest, but it's wonderful that we can both travel just over an hour and be together. We got some dinner, exchanged Christmas gifts, hugs, and Christmas greetings, then scampered our separate directions. They will be in Chicago the day after Christmas in time to pick us up at the airport. Travis and Britt will also be coming, and we look forward to spending time with them!

Boston

Today my daughter-in-law called to see if I had died. It's nice to know that people are still checking. I guess I really do need to post a blog before I head to California TOMORROW.

I had a wonderful time in Boston. Judi Jr. (can you believe our son, Randy, married a girl named Judi. We call them Randy and Judi Jr.) kept the girls out of school one day and we went to visit Louisa May Alcott's home. It was so delightfully authentic. More than 80% of everything in the home belonged to the Alcotts.

It had been forever since I had watched "Little Women" so I purchased the book and DVD so we could all refresh our memories. I had forgotten how good it was. At least that's how the girls felt. The guys stayed upstairs and played their guitars.

I even got to visit my blogging buddy The Big Red. She lives in an old high school that has been converted into condominiums. Her particular apartment was part of the auditorium. It is incredibly unique, just like she is. What a woman! I'd like to grow up to be like EP.

Ostensibly, the reason for my trip to Boston was to attend the Wreath-making party -- a Belmont/Arlington tradition of some twenty-odd years. Remember when I showed the Apple-pie-making video. It took place in this same room and how I wish there had been a video of what took place just minutes after I snapped this photo. Within an hour, several hundred beautiful wreaths walked out of this room and are hanging on neighborhood doors in the true New England tradition. It was an amazing evening of beautiful music, delicious food and creative artistry.

As I mentioned, tomorrow I leave for beautiful sunny 70-degree California (Oh wait, I just heard that it is pouring rain and cold, but since it is 7 degrees warm in Chicago right now it will definitely be better). Don't be alarmed if I don't post regularly. I'm not good at computers at my best, but when I'm using someone else's computer I don't do well at all.

Blessing Day

Yesterday was Burke's big day. He was given a beautiful blessing by his daddy and his name, Burke William, became an official part of the church records. Grandpa was able to stand in the circle and he said that during the blessing Burke had the sweetest smile on his face. Travis and Britt invited two of their neighbor families to come and it was a great meeting for non-members to attend.

Today is my last day to spend here in Columbus. I've done laundry, cleaned the house, and the Christmas decorations are up. Tomorrow I fly to Boston to visit Randy and Judianne and their family.