Finally, a good hot shower

Thermometer at zero this fine Christmas morning, work is done, enjoy the day.

Christmas Eve at Kell Avenue

When she selected the yarn last November, Beverly had no idea it was part of a secret Santa conspiracy. Mom chose "Majesty" from the dozens of samples presented, and we had a little chuckle because we sometimes call her "the Queen of Kell Avenue" because of all the royal attention she gets at her new Bloomington castle.
Historically, Rolfsruds open gifts on Christmas Eve, so it was with a good deal of anticipation that we joined Mom and Jill at Kell for some festive gift opening.
Mom just happened to be wearing a matching blouse today, so when we tried on the custom-knit cape, she looked stunning. Jill remarked that the armless design would make it easy to slip on and off to ward off the chilly air. Sosie put it all together from California, using the skills of her neighbor and friend, and shipping the finished cape to Shakopee for her co-conspirators to wrap. Enclosed was this note from Sosie:

Bird feeder and PJs

Mom,
Now that the box is open and the cape/poncho is out, a picture or two will be much enjoyed!
The knitter is my yoga instructor, good friend, and neighbor. She created the pattern based on my vague description and the yarn you chose. We hope it is warm and comfortable for you.
Merry Christmas!
Sosie

Earlier, Mom had opened thoughtful gifts from her caregivers: a swell bird feeder to hang outside her window, and a pair of snuggly PJs, just her size. There were more gifts under the tree, delivered by Mom's great granddaughter Milla, from the extended Letnes branch, a trifecta of lovely outfits, one of which has already been selected for her big Christmas Day Dinner appearance at Virg's tomorrow.

Mom's spirits were very high in her new home and we felt very Christmasy on the snowy ride back to ours.

Merry Christmas everyone, from Kathleen and Stan!

Anticipation. . .

Christmas Past

Plans are afoot for another family Christmas celebration. This is last year's
Executive Committee, who have been reappointed to carry forward
the traditions of another exciting Christmas Day.
(The secret Santa rule has been discarded, in favor of a more extensive
shopping and gift-giving protocol. Something for everyone!, the new rule.)

Critter cage complete!

It has been three Saturdays of planning, painting, gluing and nailing, but today the Critter Cage is complete. We now have a safe home to capture, hold and transport any stray critters that should come our way.  Emily demonstrates the clever screw hinge that closes the little door over the entrance hole. All this was done without damage to school clothes, thanks to the smart smock Emily borrowed from Grandpa's tee shirt drawer.

Streamers herald Christmas visitors

Our snow-stunned Iowans are heading to Florida soon for their annual Christmas retreat to Grandma and Grandpa's house in Venice.
Every year the West Des Moines unit migrates to those sandy, warm beaches for a festive frolic, only this time with a twist: They've got the keys to Uncle Virg's estate in Fort Meyers, the better to fully enjoy the get-a-way, while Good King Virgil is far away, celebrating a White Christmas with the Minnesota guard.
Here's Stan's sister Becky's exuberant note as she prepares for the arrival of her loved ones:
Hi Stan,
Sharing a little streamer joy...we always hang up crepe paper streamers in anticipation of our Christmas visitors. The Underwoods will arrive here tomorrow late in the afternoon and the celebrations will begin. A little comfort supper in the lanai and for an after-dinner desert drink, it'll be Mothers Chocolate Peppermint Patti recipe :)
Becky

Here we come a'caroling

We have no idea who they were, but last night our evening was broken up by the melody of carolers outside. A hearty group, they, as temperatures were in the teens. That's perhaps why their visit was cheerful but brief. Just one carol and they were off -- before we could invite them inside for figgy pudding.

Memory aid

We have enlisted help in our endeavor to drink more tea and less Diet Coke.
The problem: these days, by the time a saucepan of water begins to boil, you've totally forgotten your original intent, and are now blissfully attending to another equally compelling project. Danger looms as the water boils on.
This old-fashioned kettle with its whistling spout has ended that.
How fortunate that Kohl's happened to be having a sale.

Happy Anniversary, Sosie and Bill

Huntington Gardens, photo by Stan Rolfsrud

Forty three years today. It now appears there will be more. Our best.