Tuesday, January 1, 2019

I Am Back and Happy New Year

It has been awhile.
While offline, we traveled over two thousand miles in a week. We went from North Carolina to Southern Illinois to Central Illinois to Philly then home again.
In Southern IL we visited with my ninety year old aunt.  Lookin' good, Norma Jean.
While in Metropolis we saw Cinderella's carriage, all decked out for Christmas, sitting in front of a B and B.  Do you think Cinderella was inside the B and B waiting for Prince Charming and her glass slipper?

From there we traveled to Central Illinois to attend the visitation and funeral of our brother-in-law. Last year we lost a brother-in-law in November. The funeral held on the HH's birthday.
Fred, who passed in December, was only sixty-two and though he had some health issues his passing was unexpected. He was first and foremost a family man. His wife and children adored him. He was a scout leader and was buried in his uniform. He was also active in his church. The visitation was packed with a wait line of two hours that curved through the building.
After the funeral we said our good-byes and headed for Philly to spend an early Christmas with our daughter and dear SIL.
While there, we toured the South Side, went through the Italian market and a cheese shop that had folks patiently waiting on the sidewalk to get in and place their orders.
Saw the Christmas Light Show at Macy's.

We enjoyed a lovely dinner out and celebrated our anniversary. On Christmas Eve, the kids fixed a mouthwatering dinner.
And yes, this dessert is as good as it looks.
Of course, you have to have Christmas Cookies at Christmas:)
Their cat Holly spent her time watching projections on the wall.



We drove home Christmas day. It actually turned out to be a good travel day as most folks were tucked up with their families. Arrived safe, sound and oh so happy to be home.
And that was our whirlwind holiday. How was yours? Wondrous, I hope.

If  I haven't been round to your place yet, I'm on my way.

35 comments:

Elephant's Child said...

You packed a heck of a lot into your break. Some sad (but necessary) and some lovely.
Here's to a year where the balance is firmly on the joyous side.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I'm glad you made it home safe and sound, but you certainly had a whirlwind trip. So sad, yet parts of it sounded wonderful. Holly cracked me up watching the cat in front of the fireplace. Happiest of New Years to you, too, dear Sandra.

nashvillecats2 said...

My dosen't your aunt look good? What a great trip you had but on the sad side sorry about the funeral you had to attend.
It's lovely to see you back Sandra.
HAPPY NEW YEAR:

Yvonne.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Lovely to read your travels ... so pleased you were able to be there for the family at your stops and yes the sadness of the funeral - so desperate when someone so young goes. Take care and all the best for 2019 - cheers Hilary

Pat Hatt said...

Sure went far and wide at your sea. Funerals are never fun, but sounds like he was a great person indeed. haha the cat sure is amused.

JFM said...

Welcome home Sandra...missed you!
So sorry about the death of your dear brother-in-law. He sounds like he was a wonderful man.
Your 90 year old aunt looks fantastic.
I happy that your trip had some beautiful and happy moments also.

Hugs and Happy New Year 🌟🎉❤

Christine said...

Happy New Year Sandra, welcome home!

Jamie Ghione said...

Happy new year and welcome back. You sure did a lot on your travels. Sorry for your loss.

Christine said...

Your aunt looks amazing and lov your Cinderella carriage sentiment

CJ Kennedy said...

Welcome home! I wonder if we might have passed each other on the road as we were heading to Western PA to spend Christmas with the Eldest. Your trip covered the gamut old to young, highs to lows. I never would have guessed Auntie was 90. Holly made me smile as Ink sometimes sat that way too. Here's to a happy, healthy, and creative New Year.

Out on the prairie said...

That sounds like a fun trip, I often am amazed at the miles I put on

Sandra Cox said...

Philly was wonderful and seeing family in IL was good.
Those miles do rack up.
Happy New Year.

Lowcarb team member said...

Yes, Norma Jean certainly looks good :)

Although there was sadness in your time away, you did so well in all the things (and visits) you did and achieved.
A lovely post.

My good wishes for 2019.

All the best Jan

Sandra Cox said...

Thank you, Jan;)
I return your good wishes for 2019;)

Jeanie said...

Welcome back, Sandra! Your posts and wishes are always missed. On to a new year. Hopefully a very good one!

Sandra Cox said...

Thank you, Hilary.
Wishing you much joy in 2019.

Sandra Cox said...

I like that: balance firmly on the joyous side:)

Sandra Cox said...

You are so right, dear Elizabeth. Parts were sad. Parts were wonderful.
Sweet Holly:)
Wishing you joy, happiness, good health and prosperity in 2019.

Birgit said...

Merry Christmas and a Happy and healthy New Year. Your aunt does not look 90 at all and she looks healthy and so happy which is nice. So sorry about your brother In Law and he was too young. It’s a shame when so much happens at this time of year. I got sick a week before Christmas and am still ill. I have to go back to work tomorrow and not sure how I will be. Regardless, love the pictures you show here and the dessert looks so scrumptious. May this year ahead be one filled with happiness, health and lovely drawings on houses or sidewalks and fun videos of animals...all the best!🥂

Sandra Cox said...

She sure does:)
Thank you, Yvonne. It's wonderful to be back.

Sandra Cox said...

He was indeed, Pat.
Heh, she loved the wall show.
Happy New Year.

Anonymous said...

Your aunt looks very good for her age. Aside from the funeral, it sounds like you had a good time, and even with funerals there can be good ones. Happy New Year.

Ronel Janse van Vuuren said...

Looks like you had a wonderful holiday -- the good and the bad. Have a great 2019 :-)

Ronel visiting on IWSG day 2019 Goals, Resolutions and Questions

Sandra Cox said...

Thank you, Jan, for the warm wishes and condolences. It's good to be back.
Hugs received and returned.

Sandra Cox said...

Oh thank you,Jeanie. Nice to hear.
Missed ya'll too.
Yes, hopefully a good one;)

Sandra Cox said...

Thank you, Christine;) It's great to be back.

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks for the welcome back and kind condolences, Jamie;)

Sandra Cox said...

Thank you:)
We very well might have passed on the road:)
Auntie does look good, doesn't she?
Purrfect wishes for the New Year:)

Sandra Cox said...

Thank you, Ronel. Here's hoping we both have a creative one:)
I forgot it was IWSG Wed:(

Sandra Cox said...

She sure does, doesn't she, Andrew?
The funeral was good in the sense that we got to see folks we haven't seen in awhile and that it was a celebration of his life, which a lot of them aren't over here.
And of course, loved getting to see my daughter and SIL.
Happy New Year to you, Andrew.

Susan Kane said...

Sorry to hear of your loss. I grew up in central IL, over by the River. You drove a lot of miles!

Sandra Cox said...

Sounds like wonderful wishes to me.
I hope working wasn't too much for you.

Sandra Cox said...

Which river? I grew up near Springfield and the HH Decatur.

Magic Love Crow said...

Welcome home my beautiful friend!
Wow, that was alot of traveling for you!
Again, I am so sorry for you loss!
Norma Jean looks amazing!!! I love all the photos, but the cat watching the cat on the screen is hilarious!! LOVE!!
Here's to a Great 2019!! Many blessings sent your way!
Big Hugs!

Lee said...

It sounds and looks like you had a lovely time...but...there is no place like home! :)

All the very best to you and your family for the coming year, Sandra....may only good things come your way. :)