Monday, December 26, 2011

A Family Gathering and...a Proposal of Marriage

Christmas Day brought family together in our home in the mountains of New Mexico.  My daughters, Amanda and Mary, who moved to Albuquerque after college and live (gratefully) near me, arrived along with Matt, Mary's boyfriend, Matt's sister, Pam, and her boyfriend, Brian. The day was sunny and bright with leftover snow.  We enjoyed lox and bagels and exchanged gifts.  I especially appreciated the handmade gifts I received like bath salts (from Amanda) , flavored olive oil and Gluten-free Sugar Cookie Mix (from Mary) , and Cranberry Chutney (from Marissa and Chris Werland).

 

Ron loves Christmas!

Mary loves bagels!

Amanda looked pleased with her felt hat from Kyrgystan

Kids think it's time for help for my eyesight

Amanda gave me David with a bindi (he seems to be resisting my affections)

Mary gave her sister diamond stud earrings

Matt and Mary enjoyed their gifts

Brian and Pam look happy!



Everyone was having a great time

Then Matt began to tell a story about a long journey where he was climbing the mountain and it was sometimes tough and sometimes wonderfull when it happened....Matt proposed to Mary in front of us all!



Mary accepted!

Matt gave her an engagement ring to seal the deal

The very happy couple

Mary was delighted....

...and showed off her diamond ring to everyone.

The day shone bright with joy!

We gathered together for Christmas Dinner





Ron carved the turkey

We gathered at the table...



Mary and Pam toasted their new family ties-to-be



Ron had a wonderful day although I know he missed his own daughters and their families in Minnesota for Christmas

Ornaments on the tree celebrate the milestones of our family
Here is Amanda as a swimmer and her first Christmas ornament

Mary's First Christmas and her water-polo days


Potraits of my mother and father also adorn the tree

Friday, December 23, 2011

Christmas Time in the Mountains


Christmas time 2011will definitely be a White Christmas for our family.



I live in the mountains just east of Albuquerque, hence the name of this area of several mountain ranges is called the East Mountains by those who live in the relative flatlands (5000 ft) of Albuquerque.  The Sandia Mountains tower to 10,678 ft. on the east side of New Mexico's largest city.   I live at an elevation of 6900 ft. on the southern end of the Monte Largo Mountains. The first day of winter brought us more than a foot of snow on top of a previous foot of snow.  The snow continues to fall today.  The weather forecast promises sunshine for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 

I awoke this morning to 2 feet of snow

The wind had blown huge drifts off my roof and around the house

My backyard

My driveway

My street

The bird feeders were overcrowded





I think we'll stay home and wait for Santa Claus.  Cheers!




Merry Christmas!

Thursday, December 22, 2011

The Winter Solstice

Today is the shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere. 
12 inches of snow fell at my house December 19th.  More is to fall today.









We celebrate Christmas and our home is decorated for the season.












Merry Christmas to you and your family.