Sister Barbara can turn any space into a festive party venue. We had a light supper in the living room after church and breakfast the next day in the sun-filled dining room.
We walked on Main Street, the place where I used to walk when we lived in Stony Brook. I got a quick photo at the millpond, but it was much too cold to linger. We walked back to the car as quickly as possible to thaw our faces.
Our nieces and nephew visited in the afternoon. It was amazing how much great nephew Thomas had grown. His little brother Ellie is now a year old, and he was a mere infant the last time I saw him. The boys played together nicely while the rest of us chatted.
I liked the photo of Tonja and Catherine ( sisters-in-law) with Ellie.
Barbara served dinner for twelve, making it seem as easy as putting out snacks. It was delightful to visit with old friends from church. Resident Sophie and her niece Sara expedited the serving and cleaning up.
My birthday was the last thing on my mind. I put off thinking about it until this trip was over. It was a total surprise when Barbara came in with two pies, one headed my way with candles blazing. I have good breath control but no aim to speak of. It took both a huff and a puff to get the symbolic candles out. Who knew you needed to practice candle-blowing? I should be in good form Sunday when I turn 77. There should be no hoopla, although John always buys a luscious chocolate cake to celebrate. I like things so low-key that they almost fall off the piano.
We stopped in New Jersey to see daughter Kate on our way to North Carolina. She was called into work early, so we talked with her as she set up her check-out area. It was fun to see her scan groceries and pack them efficiently.
We had a pleasant drive back to North Carolina, a trip of 16.5 hours. Now, on to Christmas!
Mehrling Muse 
16.5 hrs! how do you do that?so fun seeing so many loved ones. I’m glad your trip was so fun. Happy early birthday! You are a gift to our planet for sure.
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All I do is sit in the car for a whole day. I’m the designated communicator.
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That was a whirlwind tour! Happy b-day. My husband turned 77 around Thanksgiving. I didn’t even notice a new wrinkle! Enjoy!
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I haven’t looked for wrinkles lately, and I hope I don’t start looking tomorrow. As old Southerners would say, “D and I are the same year’s chillen [children].”
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I love a table large enough for the whole crowd. Another fun trip under your belt.
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It’s great to be around one table and able to hear most of the conversations. Did your family have a big table when you were growing up?
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There were just the 5 of us but when the ‘whole’ family got together at my Big Mamas there isn’t a table this side of Biltmore that would seat us all. lol
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Wow! If your family could fill Biltmore’s table, the group was huge.
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Nice family bonding Anne 😀
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That’s a crowd and a half – I’m never been to a family dinner that large … maximum was 5! Have a great birthday Anne and enjoy the cake and the pampering!
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The last years before we moved, we often had 30 – 35 people for Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. We used the church Sunday School area for our festive meals. So far, we’ve all been able to fit around the table in North Carolina. It’s just us and a few neighbors.
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That’s amazing – is Nathaniel home for the holidays too? Will he be doing any cooking/baking?
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Nathaniel is in NY this Christmas, so we won’t see him. He’ll have a good time there.
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Well, luckily Nathaniel was able to spend Thanksgiving with you and I’ll bet he has a long weekend for the MLK holiday too, so maybe that is an option for a visit. I remember Evelyn never went back from Christmas break until the day after MLK Day – and they were out the first or second day of December – a very long Christmas break.
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I don’t know what breaks Nathaniel may have coming up.
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What fun! I hope you have a Merry Christmas, Happy birthday, and a joyous New Year!
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Thank you, Kim. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
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Thanks, Anne! I’m hoping we do!
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Happy Birthday!!
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Thank you. Meow!
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Blessings all around you at that table! I loved seeing your large group all together. I wish you a very Happy Birthday! Enjoy the chocolate cake John brings you😋🎂🍰!
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Thank you. It’s going to be a great day.
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Oh my what a trip! Happy Happy Birthday Sweet Anne!!
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Thank you. The trip was great and not as tiring as it sounded.
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Practice does make perfect-you should know!! Merry Christmas! love Michele
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Happy birthday, Anne! I love the idea of a birthday pie! I hope John has a big chocolate cake for you today too. There can never be too many birthday celebrations.
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The birthday cake was big, and neighbors came to help us eat it. Perfect!
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Happy Birthday. I read the post too fast at first and thought she brought in two flaming PINES! Obviously I have Christmas on the brain. Loved seeing your girl at work. I always go to Stop and Shop so I recognized the outfit.
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Lots of us have Christmas on the brain right now.
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A very belated happy birthday to a dear friend from across the seas. I am glad you made all those trips this year including the 16.5 hour road trip- its almost as long as my flight time( 15 hours) lol.
Merry Christmas to you all,
Susie
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To think we might get half way around the world if we were flying rather than driving!
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Your comments are really witty and tongue in cheek. Love them- I need a couple of minutes to figure them out- really full of depth.
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I don’t feel witty, but I do love words.
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What a fun celebration and happy birthday Anne! May you and John have a blessed and Merry Christmas.
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Merry Christmas to you and Lar!
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Lovely writeup of a lovely visit with family!
(Speaking of lovely: I really, really like the picture of the wintertime creekbed in your header. I’m even getting used to the way it shows your portrait shot emerging out of the water like Botticelli’s Venus. 🙂 )
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You drive over that little creek when you come to our house. It’s after the big bend in the road and before you turn into our street. My head looks disembodied to me.
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