Almost Over

Mountain Mama Jessica and her family left for Utah yesterday morning and that means that my office is no longer a bedroom and I can get to my desktop and really write again. 

Still in our home are Hawkeye Sarah and her crew from Iowa. They were leaving yesterday, too, until JC's flight plans back to Rexburg, Idaho were upended by Southwest's cancellations of thousands of flights. They were fortunate to be able to find another flight for him and ended up staying another day for that.

Teacher Daughter Lisa is holding up and in the midst of funeral plans. My priority has been to be there for her as she mourns.

I'm so thankful that her siblings were here with her and, as you can see from the smile on her face, she found joy at times during the holiday, too.

Also going home this morning is Music City Son Cole and his family. Nashville doesn't get a lot of snow so Pony Pals Julie, Kate, and Susie have been so excited with our white (and bitterly cold) Christmas! (See that Altair on the tote next to Pony Pal Mila? She has carried it around everywhere since she opened it.)

People will be cleared out of our home by mid afternoon today. Our kids are really good about helping us put furniture back in place, taking out the trash and recycling, and bringing down their sheets and towels so a lot of the "back to normal" work will have already been done. (Thanks, kids!)

After they all have left, I want to go to the barn to see Abby and the bell, (you can bet I will ring it - I have't heard its sound for at least 40 years!) and then I want to get organized in the sewing room and my office. I have lots of sheets and towels to wash and so many leftovers, neither Craig nor I will need to cook for three or four days. There's a Purdue basketball game tonight and I think Craig and I will collapse on the couch and watch it then go to bed early.

Although this Christmas has been touched by a deep and abiding sorrow, having family gathered around was very much a healing balm. We will be all right.