First Day of Winter?

Part of the holiday train that we saw in Weyburn last Saturday

Since a new season officially begins at midnight, I thought it was a good time to change the design of my blog too.  It's hard to believe that winter is here, not the winter weather we are used to having for Christmas in southern Saskatchewan.  There was a dusting of snow this morning, the roads are clear and winter boots are not the order of the day.  We'll enjoy it as long as it lasts!

I went to Estevan to visit Howard today.  It was about 1:15 when I got there and he was sound asleep in a recliner in the lounge area.  I didn't wake him until it was time to go carol singing around the big Christmas tree in the hospital.  At least I was planning on singing, but the piano player didn't show up so I ended up on the piano bench instead.  We spent half an hour singing and then were treated to a table full of goodies provided by staff members, along with coffee or hot chocolate.  We were right next to the cafeteria so went to our usual table there.  It was almost an "Elaine's table" this afternoon as Elaine Davidson, Elaine Olson and Elaine Johnson were sitting together on one side of the table.  I should have had my camera along!

We visited back in Howard's room and made some phone calls.  I brought some of the Christmas mail to share with him.  That's one of the highlights of the season!

I didn't even go shopping today, just delivered a batch of flatbread to Hurren's and then headed back to the farm.  It wasn't quite dark when I got back, and that's what I like - to get home before dark.

Now I've made another batch of flatbread and I think that will be it for tonight.

We were saddened to learn of the passing of Oscar Dolan in Great Falls on Sunday.  His wife is Howard's cousin, Florence (Vinge).  They have both been very hard of hearing and Florence made the comment once, "We just sit and look at each other".  They would have to communicate by writing.  The funeral is on Tuesday.  The family will gather on Christmas Eve and have their traditional meatballs and lefse!  (No lutefisk I guess.)  We cherish memories of our stay with Oscar and Florence when our family flew to Los Angeles from Great Falls in 1983.  Oscar took us to the airport, stored our van while we were gone, and met us again even, if the plane was late in arriving back.  He was an accountant and had to help investigate Evil Knievel's business at one time.  Howard and I were able to attend Florence and Oscar's golden wedding celebration as well as their daughter Kathy's wedding to Kent Meyer.  We have enjoyed visits with Kathy during our summer visits to the "Swantz nest" on Lake Five.

I still have quite a few things on my "to do" list but they might not all get done before Christmas.  But things don't have to be perfect to have a wonderful Christmas.  I'll aim for "good enough".  We are hoping that the family will be together here on Christmas Day.  Kirk's will pick up Howard on their way out as I don't dare tackle bringing him home on my own.  We hope that all goes well.  I'll do a Christmas blog on the weekend.