Neighbor Logan’s family had more visitors than we did over Christmas. There had been no time to give him the little gifts we had for him until the day after Christmas. His mom was busy cleaning up after company, and his dad was doing a project in the garage. Logan chose to have cookies first and then open presents.
A few weeks ago Logan was in the musical Elf. When we saw an elf hat in the store, we had to buy it. He popped it on his head and wore it while he finished opening his gifts.
Nathaniel handed him another small package, one daughter Kate had sent down from New Jersey. Logan had a big smile on his face when he saw it was the card game, Uno. David and Nathaniel played one game with him that lasted over an hour.

This was Nathaniel’s last full day with us, and he made us a proper chicken pie. By proper, I mean it was made from scratch. He roasted chicken breasts in the oven, used the drippings as a base for the sauce, shredded fresh carrots, cut up celery and onion, and cooked peas and corn to go in it. He had planned to make his own puff pastry for the top, but we were running out of time. He made pie crust instead. It was delicious. The vegetables had just the right amount of body to them, and I liked the very fresh taste of the onions. He spoiled us to the end of the visit.

I insisted on one last informal portrait of the fellows, to have their smiling faces all together.

We were not going to forget the mirror ritual this time. Nathaniel started high and ended in a goofy stance to check his appearance. Until next time….
That is the cutest elf hat! That pie looks divine and so pleasing to the eye. I bet it was delicious! Uno is one of my favorites, Logan looks like he is having fun. I hope you are feeling better, too!
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Logan’s mom texted me that he came home with a huge smile on his face. I feel much better now, though the cough is lingering.
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I don’t think Logan will take off the cute elf hat – it looked very sweet on him. Nathaniel’s chicken pot pie, made from scratch, looked wonderful – I’ll bet you are glad you have your taste buds working again! I couldn’t find the train – I saw an oval but I think that is the design in the tablecloth and I saw two little Santa heads by the pie. Maybe my eyes are running together from being here so long?
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Maybe the cars are not in the track. The track is the oval. David set it up, and he and Nathaniel kept putting the cars back on the track. David packed it back in its tin after the meal.
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I see, so that was the oval then … I wasn’t sure if it was a design on the tablecloth only. Did John try out his shower curtain yet or is he going to show his friends at the next meet in Tennessee first?
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LOL! No, I don’t think John will show off his shower curtain. When we take down the Christmas curtains, he’ll put his up.
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I quoted you and asked John if he would take the shower curtain to show his friends at the train club. He laughed and said he was thinking of doing more than that. He wants to buy one to put in the shower there!!!
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That is funny! I think John should definitely do that Anne – the guys will get a kick out of it for sure!
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Oh that’s so fun! We got that same game for Zeb this Christmas. I got a set for myself last summer that I really love. It’s waterproof and has a carabiner so I keep it hooked on my backpack. It has come in handy several times as a last-minute game opportunity during travels.
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They invited me to play, but I opted to sit there and take photos.
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That’s great that you keep Uno handy.
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Oh yes, the mirror ritual! We forgot that over Thanksgiving. It’s good to see the mirror ritual has been completed.
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We had to get back on track.
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That Nathaniel is a keeper, he will make someone a good husband some day! You are so blessed and that Logan is such an adorable toot! I’m glad you were able to enjoy your holiday!
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I made it through my cold. Hope yours is finally better.
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Much better today, thank you!
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Lovely happy photos Anne! Clearly a happy and delicious time had by all!
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We shared our day the only way we could. Thanks for being with us.
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Nice to see Logan playing with the boys again and it’s fantastic they chose to play people interactive games rather than on tablets.
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
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Logan went on to play games on John’s computer when Nathaniel was packing.
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Forgot the hugs!
xxx Packing Hugs xxx
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Anne, such a glorious tale of love and neighborly kindness. I enjoyed the photos to go along with your words. I’ve often declared that it’s the little things in life which mean so much. I was playing that card game as I read this. Blessings and peace for the New Year. oxox
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I wonder if our grandsons knew their mother was sending Logan the Uno game. As soon as the wrapping came off, they moved to the table to play. I agree with you; the little things mean a lot. Happy New Year to y’all! oxo
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Family encompasses everyone. Glad you enjoyed the card game. Must get ours again soon. Y’all have a wonderful New Year too!
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Happy New Year to your and yours!
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Thank you, Anne. Peace to you and yours in 2019! Enjoy!
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❤️❤️
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Happy New Year to you all. Fun times to return
ps. Do you know Doug and Francis Priester….Lake Junaluska.? I went to H.S. with him
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We live a very short distance from Lake Junaluska, but we don’t know anyone there. Bet the Priesters would be great to meet.
Happy New Year!
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Wow that chicken pie sounds amazing!
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Nathaniel specializes in desserts, but he likes cooking in general.
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I’m definitely better at baking than cooking, but enjoy both
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I like baking and cooking, too. Cooking is something I do daily. We’re better off if I don’t bake too often.
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I love to bake, but I’ve been trying not to!!
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Kudos to you for resisting temptation.
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Sometimes🤪
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Sometimes I better than never.
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Lol true, very true!
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Love that elf hat and that Chicken Pie looks amazing!!
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The pie sounds delicious. Glad you’ve had a good Christmas.
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Anne, I took a peek a quite a few of your December posts. I enjoyed your Christmas through your words. What a great hat for Logan. The pie looks amazing too. We’ve had many family members sick or injured in some way this month. Pneumonia, cracked vertebrae, pulled muscles, RSV virus, very bad colds and flu. It’s been not-stop…yikes! I’m happy to say, even with all the health problems, we were still able to get together for Christmas or Christmas Eve. I hope you and all your family have the best New Year ever. Kathy
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Your family health problems were more serious than ours over Christmas. We should be in good shape to stay up until midnight on the 31st. Best wishes for your family in the new year!
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Thanks, and the same to you.
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We played Uno on Christmas Eve also, so I can imagine an hour-long hand.
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